Reconstruction of complex parotidectomy defects using the lateral arm free tissue transfer

Research trends and perspectives on immediate facial reanimation in radical parotidectomy (Review)

For patients diagnosed with advanced malignant parotid tumour, radical parotidectomy with facial nerve sacrifice is part of the treatment. Multiple surgical techniques have been developed to cure facial paralysis in order to restore the function and aesthetics of the face. Despite the large number of publications over time on facial nerve reanimation, a consensus on the timing of the procedure or the donor graft selection has remained to be established. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a bibliometric analysis to identify and analyse scientific publications on the reconstruction of the facial nerve of patients who underwent radical parotidectomy with facial nerve sacrifice. The analysis on the topic was conducted using the built-in tool of the Scopus database and VOSviewer software. The first 100 most cited articles were separately reviewed to address the aim of the study. No consensus was found regarding the recommended surgical techniques for facial nerve reanimation. The most used donor cranial nerves for transfer included the following: Masseteric branch of the V nerve, contralateral VII nerve with cross-face graft, the XI nerve and the XII nerve. The best timing of surgery is also controversial depending on pre-exiting pathology and degree of nerve degeneration. However, most of the clinical experience suggests facial nerve restoration immediately after the ablative procedure to reduce complications and improve patients' quality of life.

Outcomes of Vascularized Versus Nonvascularized Adipofascial Grafts for Parotidectomy Reconstruction

Objectives: Parotidectomy defects can leave patients with considerable functional and cosmetic deformities. We aim to compare the success rates and complications associated with vascularized versus nonvascularized adipofascial grafts for reconstruction, including flap failure, return to surgery, infection, and delay to adjuvant treatment. Methods: Retrospective case series of patients undergoing either adipofascial anterolateral thigh (AFALT) free tissue transfer or free fat transfer (FFT) after parotidectomy from January 2010 to January 2020. Group comparisons and logistic regression were used to determine predictors of outcome measures. Results: Seventy-six patients underwent AFALT reconstruction, and 73 patients underwent FFT reconstruction. Patients treated with AFALT reconstruction had more aggressive tumor characteristics and underwent more complex resections, most commonly radical parotidectomy (n = 55, 72.4%). Postoperative complications at both the donor and recipient sites were more common in the FFT group (N = 20, 27.4% in FFT vs. N = 11, 14.5% in AFALT, odds ratio = 0.45, 95% confidence interval = 0.20-1.02, p = 0.052). Conclusions: Although used in more advanced disease and in a more heavily treated wound bed, the AFALT free flap was safe and associated with fewer infectious complications than that offered by FFT.

Free vascularized parascapular fat flap for parotidectomy reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

The contour defect resulting after parotidectomy can be cosmetically unappealing. Multiple reconstructive efforts have been reported to mitigate this problem. We describe a novel technique of vascularized parascapular fat reconstruction based on the circumflex scapular vessels and evaluate its outcomes.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent parotidectomy with or without additional resections and vascularized parascapular fat flap reconstruction in 2020 were included. Demographic, morphologic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were assessed.

RESULTS

Eight patients (3 female) were included. Median cut-to-close time was 247 (range 209-298) minutes, including tumor ablation. None of the patients had any wound complications, and all except one was discharged on postoperative day 1. Flap monitoring was not performed. None reported any significant donor site morbidity except scar formation. At last follow up, all patients reported satisfactory facial contour.

CONCLUSION

Vascularized parascapular fat flap reconstruction of parotidectomy contour defects has satisfactory cosmetic outcomes with minimal morbidity and short hospitalization courses.

The lateral arm free flap for head and neck reconstruction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to review the recent literature on the utilization of the lateral arm free flap use in head and neck reconstruction.

RECENT FINDINGS

The lateral arm free flap provides a reliable fasciocutaneous free tissue transfer option ideally suited for reconstruction of the oral cavity, pharynx and parotid. Primary donor site closure, compartmentalized fat and excellent colour match make it an excellent option for head and neck reconstruction. Donor site morbidity is low, and the primary limitation is the short and narrow vascular pedicle.

SUMMARY

The lateral arm free flap should be considered in cases of oral cavity and skin reconstruction, particularly in cases wherein pedicle length is not restrictive.

Dermal Fat Grafting to Reconstruct the Parotidectomy Defect Normalizes Facial Attention

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Use validated eye-tracking technology to objectively measure 1) the attentional distraction of facial contour defects after superficial and total parotidectomy and 2) changes in attentional distraction with abdominal dermal fat graft reconstruction.

METHODS

Standardized frontal and oblique facial images of 16 patients who had undergone superficial or total parotidectomy with or without fat graft reconstruction; four normal controls were obtained. One hundred casual observers were recruited to view these images, and gaze data were collected using a Tobii Pro eye-tracking system. Gaze durations for predefined facial areas of interest were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression to test study hypotheses.

RESULTS

For frontal images, total parotidectomy increased gaze to the operated parotid area compared to the contralateral nonoperated parotid area (92 milliseconds, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 48-138 milliseconds, P < .001). Fat grafting normalized the attentional distraction, with no difference in gaze time on the operated parotid region compared to normal control faces (P = .414). For oblique images, total parotidectomy increased gaze to the operated parotid area compared to the contralateral nonoperated parotid area (658 milliseconds, 95% CI: 463-854 milliseconds, P < .001). Fat grafting normalized this attentional distraction, with no difference in gaze time on the operated parotid region compared to normal control faces (P = .504). In both views, superficial parotidectomy demonstrated no significant attentional distractions, with or without fat grafting.

CONCLUSIONS

This eye-tracking study objectively demonstrates that total parotidectomy results in a facial contour deformity that is distracting to observers, whereas superficial parotidectomy does not. For total parotidectomy, this attentional distraction can be normalized with dermal fat graft reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b Laryngoscope, 131:E124-E131, 2021.

Controversies in the Workup and Surgical Management of Parotid Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE

Parotid neoplasms are a rare heterogeneous group of tumors with varied clinical presentation and behavior. Here we provide an evidence-based review of the contemporary approach to evaluation and surgical management of parotid tumors.

DATA SOURCE

PubMed and Web of Science Databases.

REVIEW METHODS

Searches of the PubMed and Web of Science databases were performed on subjects related to the diagnosis and surgical management of parotid neoplasms. Particular emphasis was placed on the following areas: evaluation of parotid tumors, including imaging workup and the utility of fine-needle aspiration; extent of surgery of the primary lesion, including the extent of parotidectomy as well as oncologic management of the facial nerve; the extent of surgery of involved and at-risk cervical lymphatics; and parotid bed reconstruction. Articles published from 2014 to the present were prioritized, supplementing with information from prior studies in areas where data are lacking.

CONCLUSION

A summary of the literature in these areas is outlined to provide an evidence-based approach to evaluation and management of parotid neoplasms.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

While data are available to help guide many aspects of workup and management of parotid neoplasms, further research is needed to refine protocols for this heterogeneous group of diseases.

Contemporary Concepts of Primary Dynamic Facial Nerve Reconstruction in the Oncologic Patient

Transection of the facial nerve and its branches during extensive ablative procedures in the oncologic patient causes loss of control of facial mimetic muscles with severe functional and aesthetic sequelae. In such patients with advanced tumorous disease, copious comorbidities, and poor prognosis, rehabilitation of the facial nerve has long been considered of secondary priority. However, recent advances in primary facial nerve reconstruction after extensive resection demonstrated encouraging results focusing on rapid and reliable restoration of facial functions. The authors summarize 3 innovative approaches of primary dynamic facial nerve reconstruction by using vascularized nerve grafts, dual innervation concepts, and intra-facial nerve transfers.

Reconstruction of total parotidectomy defects with a de-epithelialized submental flap

Objective

Total parotidectomy yields a large surgical defect that leads to both cosmetic and functional deficits which can be addressed with reconstruction. We evaluated the role of a pedicled submental flap for this reconstruction.

Methods

We reviewed all submental flap reconstructions that were performed for total parotidectomy defects between 2014 and 2016. Data regarding harvest technique, postoperative complications, flap survival, and adjuvant treatment details were recorded. Subjective information regarding retained volume after reconstruction was also obtained.

Results

During the time period, eight patients were identified and in all cases the patients underwent total parotidectomy with facial nerve sacrifice. All patients were discharged within 2 days of hospitalization with no complications or concerns regarding the viability of the flap. All but one patient had radiation therapy. Results with 9.9‐ to 37.5‐month follow‐up (mean 22.0 months) show limited volume loss without major contour defect or ear deformity in the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Submental flap reconstruction is a feasible and reliable method for total parotidectomy defect. The inclusion of the mylohyoid muscle aids flap reliability and adds bulk. Inclusion of the dermis helps contour the overlying skin. The flap does not add morbidity or increased complexity intraoperatively or postoperatively.

Level of Evidence

4

Reporting of Cosmesis in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To identify the method and rate at which cosmesis is reported after reconstruction from head and neck surgery among adults.

DATA SOURCES

A medical librarian implemented search strategies in multiple databases for head and neck reconstruction, outcome assessment/patient satisfaction, and cosmesis/appearance.

REVIEW METHODS

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture studies examining adults undergoing reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery with assessment of postoperative cosmesis. The primary outcome was the method to assess cosmesis. Secondary outcomes were types of instruments used and the rate at which results were reported. Validated instruments used in these studies were compared and critically assessed.

RESULTS

The search identified 4405 abstracts, and 239 studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 43% (n = 103) used a scale or questionnaire to quantify the cosmetic outcome: 28% (n = 66), a visual analog, Likert, or other scale; 13% (n = 30), a patient questionnaire; and 3% (n = 7), both. Of the 103 studies that used an instrument, 14% (n = 14, 6% overall) used a validated instrument. The most common validated instrument was the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) questionnaire (4%, n = 9). The most highly rated instruments were the UWQOL and the Derriford Appearance Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Reporting of cosmetic outcomes after head and neck cancer reconstruction is heterogeneous. Most studies did not report patient feedback, and a minority used a validated instrument to quantify outcomes. To reduce bias, improve reliability, and decrease heterogeneity, we recommend the UWQOL to study cosmetic outcomes after head and neck reconstruction.

Vascularised fatty tissue: its role in prevention of the symptoms of Frey syndrome after parotidectomy

We studied 37 consecutive patients who had parotidectomies between 2008 and 2017 and who had vascular fat flaps inserted to replace the excised parotid tissue and prevent Frey syndrome. They were followed up for 1-9 years to check for the relevant symptoms. We studied 17 female and 20 male patients, mean age 52 (range 19-78) years. The flaps took a maximum of 17minutes to dissect. There was no donor site morbidity, the vascular fat flap was stable in all cases for up to nine years, and none of the patients complained of symptoms of Frey syndrome.

Comprehensive approach to reestablishing form and function after radical parotidectomy

INTRODUCTION

The reconstructive goals following radical parotidectomy include restoration of symmetry, reanimation of the face, and reestablishment of oral competence. We present our experience utilizing the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap, orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer (OTTT), and facial nerve cable grafting to reestablish form and function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 2010 to 2016, 17 patients underwent radical parotidectomy followed by immediate reconstruction. An ALT was harvested to accommodate the volume and skin defect. Additional fascia lata and motor nerve to vastus lateralis (MNVL) were obtained. Anastomosis of the ALT to recipient vessels was performed, most commonly using the facial artery and internal jugular vein. OTTT was performed by securing the medial tendon of the temporalis to orbicularis oris through a nasolabial incision. Fascia lata was tunneled through the lower lip, then secured laterally to the temporalis tendon. The MNVL was cable grafted from either the proximal facial nerve or masseteric nerve to the distal facial nerve branches. ALT fascia was suspended to the superficial muscular aponeurotic system.

RESULTS

Average follow up was 19 months. Only one patient failed to achieve symmetry attributed to dehiscence of OTTT. All patients achieved oral competence and dynamic smile with OTTT activation. Facial nerve recovery was seen in 8 patients. 5 reached a House Brackman Score of 3. Two donor site seromas and two wound infections occurred.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous ALT, OTTT, and facial nerve cable grafting provides early reestablishment of facial symmetry, facial reanimation, and oral competence with minimal morbidity.

Minimal Margin Extracapsular Dissection

Objective:

Extracapsular dissection (ECD) has become an accepted, less invasive alternative for the removal of select benign parotid lesions that may reduce complications. Minimal margin extracapsular dissection (MECD) with dissection on or closer to the tumor capsule may be a reasonable alternative to ECD. The objective of this study is to review the complications and safety of the MECD technique at a single institution.

Subjects and Methods:

Medical records for patients who underwent MECD for suspected benign parotid lesions were reviewed. Outcome measurements included intraoperative findings, complications, and recurrences.

Results:

Forty patients underwent a MECD for suspected benign parotid lesions. The average tumor size was 2.2 cm. Frozen section revealed low-intermediate grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma in 2 (5%) cases, requiring completion of a superficial parotidectomy at the same setting. There was 1 case of temporary facial nerve weakness and no cases of Frey syndrome. No tumor recurrences were observed within the follow-up period (average 3.5 years.)

Conclusion:

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, MECD may be a viable alternative to formal superficial parotidectomy. This study reports low rates of nerve weakness and Frey syndrome. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine the ultimate risk of recurrence.

Use of modified lateral upper arm free flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defect after resection of oral cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the suitability of a modified lateral upper arm free flap (LAFF) for reconstruction of soft tissue defects after resection of oral cancer.

METHODS

Eighteen cases of soft tissue defect repair performed between January 2011 and December 2013 using a modified LAFF after resection of oral cancer were reviewed. The design and harvest of the LAFF, the reconstruction procedure, and postoperative morbidity were reviewed and evaluated over a follow-up period of at least 12 months.

RESULTS

The overall flap survival was 94.4 % (17/18 patients). A broad scar at the donor site was the most common morbidity, but patients did not report dissatisfaction with the scar because they could easily cover it. All wounds at the donor site achieved primary recovery. One case of flap loss was repaired with a radial forearm free flap. One case complicated by diabetes mellitus involved infection of the flap with one-third of the flap becoming necrotic. This flap survived after removal of the necrotic tissue. In one other case, fat liquefactive necrosis (1.5 × 1.0 cm) occurred in the flap on the tip of the tongue, and this flap survived after debridement. Overall, the shape and function of the reconstructed tissues were well restored, and there was no severe morbidity at the donor site in any case.

CONCLUSION

The modified LAFF was safe and reliable for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects after resection of oral cancer.

Reconstruction of facial nerve after radical parotidectomy

CONCLUSION

Most patients benefitted from immediate facial nerve grafting after radical parotidectomy. Even weak movement is valuable and can be augmented with secondary static operations. Post-operative radiotherapy does not seem to affect the final outcome of facial function.

OBJECTIVES

During radical parotidectomy, the sacrifice of the facial nerve results in severe disfigurement of the face. Data on the principles and outcome of facial nerve reconstruction and reanimation after radical parotidectomy are limited and no consensus exists on the best practice.

METHOD

This study retrospectively reviewed all patients having undergone radical parotidectomy and immediate facial nerve reconstruction with a free, non-vascularized nerve graft at the Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland during the years 1990-2010. There were 31 patients (18 male; mean age = 54.7 years; range = 30-82) and 23 of them had a sufficient follow-up time.

RESULTS

Facial nerve function recovery was seen in 18 (78%) of the 23 patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up and adequate reporting available. Only slight facial movement was observed in five (22%), moderate or good movement in nine (39%), and excellent movement in four (17%) patients. Twenty-two (74%) patients received post-operative radiotherapy and 16 (70%) of them had some recovery of facial nerve function. Nineteen (61%) patients needed secondary static reanimation of the face.

Autologous fat transfer: an aesthetic and functional refinement for parotidectomy

Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure associated to functional (Frey's syndrome) as well as aesthetic (facial asymmetry) complications that can be very disturbing for the patient. Several procedures have been described to primarily avoid or secondarily reconstruct the facial defect and treat the neurological iatrogenic syndrome. Autologous fat transfer was primarily used in 10 cases to avoid such complications. It is an easy technique widely used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. This technique gives very satisfying long-term results on the cosmetic as well as on the physiological point of view.

Free fat grafting in superficial parotid surgery to prevent Frey's syndrome and improve aesthetic outcome

Background:

Frey's syndrome and cosmesis are important considerations in parotid surgery. Placement of an interpositional barrier can prevent these complications; however, surgical technique and efficacy remain controversial.

Methods:

A prospective case series was collected comprising all patients undergoing primary superficial parotidectomy for benign pathology with abdominal free fat grafting between June 2007 and December 2010, performed by a single surgeon. A survey was also distributed to otorhinolaryngology consultants across Australia to assess current practice.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients were included. No patient had clinical symptoms of Frey's syndrome. Seventy-five per cent of patients were completely satisfied with their aesthetic outcome, 18 per cent scored 4/5 and the remaining 7 per cent (2 patients) scored 3/5. The survey revealed that 79 per cent of respondents did not use interpositional grafts.

Conclusion:

Abdominal free fat is ideal for grafting as it is an effective, safe, simple, accessible, fast and inexpensive method of providing an interpositional graft.

[Reconstructive surgery in huge tumors of salivary glands]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation the outcome after extensive surgery of salivary glands tumors with simultaneous reconstruction of soft tissue and skin defect.

MATERIAL

In the period 2007-2011, surgery treatments performed in 295 of major salivary glands. 31 patients underwent surgery due to malignant parotid gland tumors: 19 women (61%) and 12 men (39%). In 8 (26%) presented skin infiltration. 10 (32%) patients had facial palsy between II-IV degree (House Brackmann scale). The radiographic findings in some patients showed infiltration of the deep lobe of parotid gland, external auditory canal, infiltration of mastoid process, skull base and the subtemporal fossa.

METHODS

Of the 31 patients in 13 (42%) reconstruction techniques with muscle cutaneous trapezius flap were applied in 4 (31%) patients. In group of 7 (54%) patients using a muscle flap based on the sterno-cleido-gland, in 2 (15%) patients defects were covered using the free anterior lateral thigh flap.

RESULTS

In all patients, healing proceeded normally. In the operated patients, one patient did not receive radical surgery due to the infiltration of the skull base. Length of hospitalization ranged between 7-21 days. In no case was lost flap, also there was no local complications at the donor.

CONCLUSIONS

The choice of treatment for malignant parotid gland tumors which are usually radioresistant is surgical resection. In patients with extensive tumors with infiltration of neighbouring organs reconstruction with use of distant flaps are recommended. It provides a good oncological and aesthetic result.

Total parotidectomy defect reconstruction using the buried free flap

OBJECTIVE

1) Present an alternative method of total parotidectomy with or without neck dissection defect reconstruction that results in improved cosmesis. 2) Describe applications of free tissue transfer in parotidectomy defect reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Two tertiary-care medical centers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A two-institution retrospective review from 2002 to 2009 was conducted for buried free flaps utilized in reconstruction of defects from total parotidectomy with or without neck dissection. Patients with temporal bone or skin resections were excluded. Demographic information, tumor characteristics, surgical interventions, flap details, and adjunctive facial reconstructive techniques were recorded. Postoperative cosmetic results were evaluated by patient and physician satisfaction.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with a mean age of 57.4 years underwent flap reconstruction. Total parotidectomy was performed in all cases, 11 cases required facial nerve sacrifice, and 14 cases included neck dissection. The anterolateral thigh flap was the most often utilized free flap. Mean flap area was 65.5 cm2. Adjunctive static facial reanimation was employed in eight patients. All flaps survived. Ten patients underwent adjuvant radiation. Free flap reconstruction resulted in cosmetic patient and surgeon satisfaction, despite adjuvant radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Free flap reconstruction of total parotidectomy (with or without neck dissection) defects is safe and effective. It does not preclude adjunctive facial reanimation and provides sufficient tissue bulk to match the contralateral facial contour despite radical resections and adjuvant radiation therapy in most cases.

Outcome measures in facial plastic surgery: patient-reported and clinical efficacy measures

OBJECTIVE

To survey the existing literature to identify, summarize, and evaluate procedure- and condition-specific outcome measures for use in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

A review of the English-language literature was performed to identify outcomes instruments specific for targeted facial plastic surgery interventions and conditions. A search was performed using MEDLINE (1950 to September 2007), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health) (1982 to September 2007), and PsychINFO (1806 to September 2007). Outcomes instruments were categorized as patient-reported or clinical efficacy measures (observer-reported or objective measures). Instruments were then categorized to include relevant details on the intervention, degree of validation, and subsequent use.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight distinct instruments were identified (23 patient-reported, 35 observer-reported, and 10 objective measures), with some overlap among categories. Most patient-reported measures (76%) and half observer-reported instruments (51%) were developed in the past 10 years. The rigor of validation varied widely among measures, with formal validation being most common among the patient-reported outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Validated outcomes measures are present for many common facial plastic surgery conditions and have become more prevalent during the past decade, especially for patient-reported outcomes. Challenges remain in harmonizing patient-reported, observer-based, and other objective measures to produce standardized clinically meaningful outcome measures.

Management of a Total Parotidectomy Defect With a Gastrocnemius Muscle Transfer and Vascularized Sural Nerve Grafting

Immediate facial nerve reconstruction is very demanding after total parotidectomy. Under such conditions, we reconstructed facial nerves using vascularized sural nerve with free lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap. The patient was a 14-year-old male diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the right parotid gland. We reconstructed zygomatic, buccal, and mandibular branches of facial nerve using 2 vascularized sural nerves, medial sural cutaneous nerve, and the lateral sural cutaneous nerve. The postoperative course was good, and there was no flap trouble. The reinnervated nerve recovered from 3 months after the operation. In 6 months after operation, almost normal animation was recovered, except for the corners of the patient's mouth. The advantages of this flap are feasible harvesting in the supine position, feasible filling of the dead space, possible harvesting of 2 series of lateral sural cutaneous nerve and median sural cutaneous nerve, and less sacrifice of the donor site. The disadvantage of this method is that the diameter of the pedicle is smaller than that of the medial pedicle. But the diameters of the lateral sural artery and vein are suitable to anastomose the cervical artery and vein. This flap is one of the good options for reconstruction of facial nerves after total parotidectomy.

Reconstructive potential of the lateral arm flap after tumor resection

The reconstruction of extended tumor-related defects in different anatomic regions requires a versatile and reliable flap. For many surgeons, the lateral arm flap has become the technique of choice in the reconstruction of small- to medium-sized defects. The aim of this study was to analyze the reconstructive potential of the lateral arm flap after cancer ablation in various indications. Between 1998 and 2006, 14 patients underwent reconstruction with differently composed and designed lateral arm flaps at our institution. Complete coverage of all defects was achieved with a single surgical procedure. With a flap survival rate of 100% in our series, excellent long term results and high patient satisfaction combined with low donor site morbidity, we can recommend the use of the lateral arm flap in tumor patients.