The radial forearm flap as a carrier for the osteocutaneous fibula graft in mandibular reconstruction

Feasibility and Reliability of Microvascular Reconstruction in the Vessel-depleted Previously Operated Neck

Background:

Microvascular reconstruction of defects in the head and neck has always been a challenge in patients who have undergone previous neck dissection, owing to the prior resection of potential recipient blood vessels used for free flap perfusion.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to evaluate the reliability and safety of free flap reconstruction in patients who have had previous neck dissection.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four free flaps were performed in 22 patients with a previous history of neck dissection for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. These included patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent cancer as well as patients undergoing secondary reconstruction following previous oncological resections. Flap includes 12 radial forearm free flaps, 5 fibula flaps, 1 rectus abdominis flap, and 6 anterolateral thigh flaps.

Results:

In cases with the previous history of selective neck dissection, recipient vessels on the ipsilateral/same side of the previously operated neck were used, while contralateral vessels were used in patients with a history of modified radical or radical neck dissection. Vein grafts were not necessary, except for one case. In our series, we did not have any flap loss or considerable increase in operative time.

Conclusions:

Free flap reconstruction of head-and-neck defects is highly successful in patients with a history of previous neck dissection, despite a relative scarcity of recipient blood vessels. Careful planning and relying on flaps with a long vascular pedicle obviates the need to perform a suitable vein graft. In our present series, careful planning and the right choice of a free flap with a long vascular pedicle contributes to the absence of free flap failure. In our experience, previous neck dissection should not be considered as a contraindication to microvascular reconstruction of previously operated oncologic defects.

In vivo perfusion of free skin flaps using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

The vessel-depleted, irradiated, and frozen neck, as well as severe atherosclerosis of recipient vessels represent challenging problems in free flap transfer. Extracorporeal free flap perfusion theoretically allows free flap reconstructions in the absence of local donor vessels, but is associated with a number of technical issues. In this study, a novel technique is presented using a commercially available system for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), modified for small blood volumes.

METHODS

After preclinical testing, an ECMO system certified for lung support was used to establish blood flow through the flap's artery with oxygenation, decarboxylation and warming of diluted packed blood cells. Venous blood was allowed to flow passively into a separate container. Perfusion was performed for 15 min at intervals of 4 h over 4-6 days.

RESULTS

Five patients with soft tissue defects requiring free flap reconstruction were included. Either primarily thinned anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps (n = 3) or radial forearm flaps (n = 2) were used. We observed infection of the perfusate, with consequent subtotal flap loss, in one patient, complete epithelial loss in two patients, venous congestion in one case, and almost uneventful healing in the fifth patient. With conservative wound care and a split thickness skin graft in one case, stable wound coverage was achieved in all patients except one, who had secondary healing. None of the patients required a second flap for sufficient coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique described is associated with the risks of infection, flap congestion, nutritive hypoperfusion, and consequent tissue loss. Nevertheless, stable defect closure seems to be achievable even in patients with depleted recipient vessels.

A Large Scalp Defect Coverage With Pedicled Free Flap Using the Wrist as a Free Flap Carrier

The absence of an adequate recipient vessel for free flap pedicle anastomosis near local defect sites discourages surgeons from performing free flap transfers over the scalp because of the challenging neck dissection and the thrombogenic potential of vein grafts for pedicle elongation. We present a case in which a large scalp defect was successfully reconstructed using the wrist as a "free flap carrier," which is an alternative method. A 78-year-old patient with a totally occluded common carotid artery presented to our clinic with a large scalp defect. Reconstruction of the scalp defect was performed in a 2-stage procedure. In the first stage, a free latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap was transferred to the defect site, and the pedicle anastomosis was held at the ipsilateral wrist to provide inflow and outflow of blood through the radial artery and vena comitante and cephalic vein that were anastomosed to the flap pedicle. After subsequent split-thickness skin graft, the elevated position of the arm was achieved using a splint and sutures for 3 weeks. In the second stage, the flap was divided, and an additional skin graft over the flap division site and radial artery repair with vein graft was performed. Successful coverage of the scalp defect was confirmed on postoperative day 14 of the second procedure with no complications.

Reconstructive oral and maxillofacial surgery

BACKGROUND

The incidence of malignancies in the head and neck region is rising. Head and neck tumors are the eighth most frequent type of malignancy in German men, forming 3.3% of the total. As a result, the demand for functionally successful and esthetically pleasing reconstructions has increased.

METHODS

Review based on a selective analysis of the pertinent literature and the guidelines of the German Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as the authors' clinical and scientific experience.

RESULTS

Microsurgical flap transfer has become the most important type of reconstruction, with a more than 90% rate of success, i.e., complete integration of the transplant in the recipient site. The most frequent complications are thromboses of the vein or artery of the pedicle. For each specific defect constellation, the most appropriate donor sites have been identified. Some donor sites are used for more than one defect. The principal risk factors for flap loss are prior operations on the neck, atherosclerosis, and previous radiation treatment. New developments include the use of perforator flaps, which can be anastomosed to very small vessels in the face, and wrist-carriers, which offer complete independence from head and neck vessels.

CONCLUSION

The treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care of patients with tumors of the head and neck must be carried out by an interdisciplinary team. Full awareness of the available options for reconstruction helps the radiation therapist, oncologist, psychooncologist, general practitioner, and dentist to coordinate their efforts and advise their often mutilated and sometimes suicidal patients effectively.