The free revascularized lateral upper arm flap in maxillofacial reconstruction following ablative tumour surgery

Indications, Postoperative Outcomes, and Complications of the Lateral Arm Free Flap: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

The lateral arm free flap (LA-FF) has become an increasingly popular choice in the reconstruction of soft tissue defect in many anatomical regions. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding its safety and efficacy. The aim of this study is to analyze its different applications along with their surgical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review including all studies assessing the surgical outcomes of the LA-FF and proportional meta-analysis using a random-effect DerSimonian-Laird model was performed to assess the postsurgical complications and flap failures.

Results

Twenty-five articles were included in the final analysis, representing a total of 1272 flaps in 1256 patients. Indications were mainly defects following tumoral resection and trauma. Across the different studies, the reported flap size range varied from 2 × 4 cm to 12 × 16 cm. The overall pooled flap failure rate across all indications was 3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.04], with a pooled failure rate of 2% (95% CI, 0.01-0.04) in the head and neck region, 3% (95% CI, 0.01-0.06) in the upper limb region, and 3% (95% CI, 0.01-0.06) in studies evaluating its use in different anatomical locations. The overall donor site complication rate was 11% (95% CI, 0.03-0.21), with no major complications described.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis demonstrates safety and efficacy of the LA-FF in reconstructing moderate to large soft tissue defects. It is mainly used for head and neck posttumoral resection and upper and lower limb posttraumatic reconstruction.

Recent developments in delirium after oral and maxillofacial free-flap reconstruction

Postoperative delirium (POD), a common complication following surgery and anesthesia, is particularly prone to occur after reconstruction surgery in the oral and maxillofacial region. The occurrence of POD seriously affects the incidence of postoperative complications, the survival of free flaps, the length of hospital stays, and brings great pain to patients and their families, and even increases perioperative mortality. Currently, a large number of studies have reported on the risk factors for POD after oral and maxillofacial free-flap reconstruction. Multiple independent risk factors have been identified, including age, history of excessive alcohol consumption, and perioperative nutritional status. This review summarizes the relevant literature and hopes to provide insights for the prevention of POD in high-risk patients.

Function-Preserving Neurotized Lateral Arm Free Flap in the Reconstruction of Hemiglossectomy Defects

Introduction and Methods  The glabrous, thin, and pliable texture of lateral arm flap with no loss of any axial vessel of the limb renders it a good choice for hemiglossectomy defect reconstruction. The main caveat of this flap harvest is the loss of sensation in the distribution of posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve (PABCN). In this article, we present two strategic sites and techniques to preserve the integrity of PABCN and at the same time harvesting lateral arm flap with a lengthy lower lateral cutaneous nerve of arm for the neurotization. The outcome of this function-preserving neurotized lateral arm free flap in the reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects is analyzed and presented in this article.

Results  Ninety percent of the patients attained grade 3 score in objective assessment, leading to a significant p -value of 0.02 with this technique. All had preservation of sensation in the distribution of PABCN.

Conclusion  Our technique of harvest and neurotization has brought good functional recovery of the oral cavity with preservation of PABCN.

Reconstruction of Hemiglossectomy Defects With the Lateral Arm Fasciocutaneous Flap

INTRODUCTION

Partial tongue reconstruction requires a thin pliable flap to restore volume and mobility. The lateral arm flap is well suited to this as it is a thin fasciocutaneous flap that has consistent vascular anatomy, reliable perfusion, short harvest time and low donor site morbidity. The authors report our experience with use of this flap for reconstruction of hemi-glossectomy defects.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent reconstruction of hemi-glossectomy and floor of mouth defects with a lateral arm flap, at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (Pakistan) from November 2016 to January 2020. Flaps were harvested from the nondominant upper extremity. Data were collected for patient demographics, size of defect, size of flap, recipient vessels, postoperative complications and functional outcome.

RESULTS

Over a 3-year period, 8 hemi-tongue and extended hemi-tongue, and floor of mouth reconstructions were performed with a lateral arm fasciocutaneous flap. A standard lateral arm flap was harvested in 3 patients and an extended lateral arm flap in 5 patients. Mean flap size was 65.75 cm2 (48-76 cm2). The recipient artery in all cases was the superior thyroid artery. The recipient veins were the common facial vein in 1 patient, the internal jugular in 3 patients, the external jugular in 1 patient and both external and internal jugular in 3 patients. Donor sites were closed primarily. There were no total or partial flap losses. All patients were able to resume an oral diet (unrestricted in 1, soft in 4, pureed in 2 patients). Postoperative speech was intelligible to patients' family in 4 patients and to strangers in 3 patients. One patient succumbed to progressive disease in the early postoperative period. Orocutaneous fistulas developed in 3 patients, all of which healed with nonoperative management.

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral arm fasciocutaneous flap is well suited for reconstruction of hemiglossectomy and floor of mouth defect. It has the advantages of straightforward harvest, thin and pliable soft tissue, and low donor site morbidity.

Utility of the lateral arm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction: a single-centre experience with Chinese patients

The lateral arm flap (LAF) may offer an alternative option for oral cavity repair. Twenty-five Chinese patients with oral cavity defects were reconstructed with a LAF. The anatomical characteristics of the flap, the donor site complications, and the functional and aesthetic assessments of recipient site were reviewed. The overall flap survival was 96.0% (24/25patients). The average pedicle length was 7.07±1.09cm when it was cut off at the insert of the deltoid, with an average arterial diameter of 1.30±0.37mm and vein diameter of 2.06±0.48mm. The average flap length was 7.06±1.01cm, and the average flap breadth was 5.28±0.66cm, with the average flap size ranging from 18 to 42cm². One to three reliable perforators supplied the flap, with the proximal, middle, and distal perforators being located at 9.9±1.1cm, 8.6±1.4cm, and 5.7±1.2cm from the lateral epicondyle, respectively. The donor defect was closed primarily and healed uneventfully. A longitudinal scar was the most common morbidity of the donor site. The function and shape of the reconstructed tissues were well restored. The LAF provides a reliable choice for reconstructing medium-sized oral cavity defects, with minimal donor-site morbidity and ideally functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of the recipient site.

Exclusive tongue tip reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects using the underrated lateral arm free flap with bilobed design

Background

Tongue reconstruction is challenging with the unique function and anatomy. Goals for reconstruction differ depending on the extent of reconstruction. Thin and pliable flaps are useful for tongue tip reconstruction, for appearance and mobility. This study reports lateral arm free flap (LAFF) as a safe and optimal option for hemi-tongue reconstruction, especially for tongue tip after hemiglossectomy.

Methods

Thirteen LAFFs were performed for hemi-tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy from 1995 to 2018. Of the 13 patients, seven were male and six were female, age varying from 24 to 64 years.

Results

All flaps healed uneventfully without complications. Donor sites were closed primarily. The recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis were mainly superior thyroidal artery, external jugular vein. All patients returned to normal diet, with no complaints regarding reconstructed tongue and donor site.

Conclusion

The LAFF is hairless, thin (especially with lateral epicondyle approach), and potentially sensate. They are advantageous features for tongue tip and hemi-tongue reconstruction. Donor site sacrifices the inessential posterior radial collateral artery, and the scar is hidden under short sleeve shirts. We believe that LAFF can be considered as the first choice flap for hemitongue reconstruction, over radial forearm free flaps.

Lip reconstruction using a functioning serratus anterior free flap: preliminary study

Reconstructive surgery to the lips requires the replacement of defective tissues with similarly functioning tissues. While non-dynamic free tissue transfers provide adequate lower lip reconstruction, improved benefits may be obtained with innervated free muscle flaps. This study reports the use of innervated serratus anterior muscle free flaps for lip reconstruction in five patients. All patients had squamous cell carcinoma of either the upper or lower lip. After resection of the tumours, the resultant defects comprised two-thirds of the lips. The innervated serratus anterior muscle free flap was transferred to the lip and an end-to-end vascular anastomosis on the facial artery was performed. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve was preferred for nerve coaptation. The inner and outer surfaces of the flaps were grafted with a split-thickness skin graft. Concentric needle electromyography of the orbicularis oris and frontal muscles was performed for all patients in the preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up periods. All patients survived the surgical operation. Three patients achieved perfect oral sphincter function without drooling. Electromyography at 1 year postoperative demonstrated the successful reinnervation of the serratus anterior muscle. This study demonstrates that lip reconstruction using an innervated serratus anterior muscle free flap is a reliable method, providing a functional lower lip.

Color Doppler Sonographic and Cadaveric Study of the Arterial Vascularity of the Lateral Upper Arm Flap

OBJECTIVES

To determine the importance of adequate preoperative assessment with color Doppler sonography to assist in the successful transfer of lateral upper arm flaps by studying the lateral upper arm flap with color Doppler sonography and analyzing the anatomic features of the radial collateral artery.

METHODS

A clinical case-control study was performed. The radial collateral artery was studied with color Doppler sonography in 15 healthy volunteers. The origins, courses, variations, and locations of the perforators of the radial collateral artery were recorded. The results and data from the color Doppler sonographic investigation were compared with an anatomic study that was performed on 22 adult cadaveric upper limb specimens.

RESULTS

The volunteer group (14 of 15 volunteers) and the cadaveric group (19 of 22 upper arm specimens) clearly showed that the branch pattern of the arterial supply was as follows: brachial artery → deep brachial artery → radial collateral artery → posterior radial collateral artery → myocutaneous perforator. Variations in the origin of the radial collateral artery were identified in 1 volunteer bilaterally and in 3 upper arm specimens. The diameters of the artery and vein measured at the distal insertion of the deltoid and the origin of the deep brachial artery were not significantly different between the volunteer and cadaver groups (P > .05). Due to the difference in measuring methods, the length of the vascular pedicles was significantly different between the groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Color Doppler sonography can facilitate the preoperative assessment of the origin, course, variations, and locations of the radial collateral artery and therefore may increase the success rate of lateral upper arm flap transfer.

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.

Use of Extended Lateral Upper Arm Free Flap for Tongue Reconstruction After Radical Glossectomy for Tongue Cancer

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the extended lateral arm free flap (ELAFF) for repair of partial tongue defects after radical resection of tongue cancer.

METHODS

The study included nine consecutive patients who underwent repair of a partial tongue defect with an ELAFF after radical resection of tongue cancer from November 2010 to December 2013. Lesions were at the tip or margin of the tongue. Details of the reconstructive surgery, donor-site and recipient-site morbidity, and functional and esthetic outcomes were evaluated during a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Patient-reported Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores on a scale of 0 (minimum satisfaction) to 10 (maximum satisfaction) were used to evaluate esthetic outcomes.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up for 12 months (median 24 months). The overall survival rate was 88 % (8/9). The donor site was closed primarily in all patients. The most frequent donor-site morbidity was a broad scar. Poor functional outcomes were associated with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. The shape and function of the reconstructed tongue were satisfactory. VAS scores (mean ± SD) for patient satisfaction with recipient-site and donor-site esthetics were 6.92 ± 1.70 and 7.33 ± 2.01, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The ELAFF is a safe and effective option for repair of partial tongue defects after radical resection of tongue cancer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Buccinator Myomucosal Flap for Reconstruction of Glossectomy Defects

Objective

The use of the myomucosal flap from the buccinator muscle is a valuable reconstruction method for intraoral defects. We report the clinical advantages and pitfalls of using the buccinator myomucosal flap for tongue reconstruction after intraoral resection of tongue cancer.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects and Methods

We used buccal artery–based buccinator myomucosal flaps for tongue reconstruction in 11 partial or total edentulous patients who underwent resection of tongue cancer. The size and site of the tongue defect ranged from one-third to one-half of the tongue in the lateral border. We analyzed the clinical features and oncologic and functional outcomes to define adequate indications.

Results

All flaps were successfully harvested and transposed, and the donor sites were primarily closed. The pedicles were safely divided 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. In 8 of 11 patients, concurrent upper neck dissection was performed without compromising blood supply to the flap. The range of tongue motion and the volume of the reconstructed tongue were satisfactory, and the patients experienced no difficulties in swallowing or speech.

Conclusion

Particularly in edentulous patients, the buccal myomucosal flap can be a good option for reconstructing partial tongue defects after cancer surgery.

Review of the radial free flap: is it still evolving, or is it facing extinction? Part one: soft-tissue radial flap

The versatile fasciocutaneous radial flap is robust and reliable, straightforward to harvest, and often produces a satisfactory reconstruction with relatively little long-term morbidity at the donor site. Many surgeons prefer to use a limited number of trusted flaps, and these qualities will ensure that in the intermediate future most surgical trainees will continue to be shown the fasciocutaneous radial flap as both the basic training flap and the established option for reconstruction. Evidence from observational clinical studies and one randomised clinical trial indicates that there is increasing support for the use of the evolutionary technique of suprafascial dissection to minimise morbidity at the donor site. The suprafascial donor site may be repaired with either a meshed or unmeshed partial-thickness skin graft, or a fenestrated full-thickness skin graft, with good rates of successful healing. The application of a negative pressure dressing to the wound seems to facilitate the healing of all types of skin graft. The subfascial donor site, however, remains more prone to complications. It may be helpful to position the donor site of the flap more proximally, but this has not been proven. These refinements probably produce the best outcomes that can currently be achieved, given the inherent flaws of the radial donor site.

Application of lateral arm free flap in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction following tumor surgery

OBJECTIVE

To describe the application of lateral arm free flap (LAFF) in reconstruction of defects in the oral and maxillofacial regions following ablative oncological surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study included 16 patients (13 male, 3 female, mean age 56, range 35-69 years). Sixteen LAFF were harvested to reconstruct defects caused by the dissection of malignant tumors of the oral and maxillofacial regions. The tumor was squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (6 cases), floor of the mouth (4), retromolar area (3), inner cheek (2), and lower gingival (1). Flap sizes ranging from 5 x 7 to 6 x 9 cm were harvested using a sterile tourniquet for bloodless technique. The anastomoses were carried out using a magnifier or microscope. All donor defects were closed primarily.

RESULTS

Fourteen flaps healed without venous insufficiency. One flap, in a female patient, survived with mild local microcirculatory obstruction but that of another female patient developed necrosis. There was no significant complication at the donor sites. The advantages of this flap include anatomically reliable vascular supply, accessible donor site, and the aesthetic quality of donor tissue is good. Compared with the radial artery, the posterior radial collateral artery is a nonessential vessel of the arm. The disadvantages are the relatively smaller vessel size for anastomosis and thicker subcutaneous tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

For the repair of moderate-sized defects of the maxillofacial area, especially in male patients, the LAFF can be recommended.

Fabrication of myomucosal flap using tissue-engineered bioartificial mucosa constructed with oral keratinocytes cultured on amniotic membrane

The purpose of this study was to fabricate bioartificial mucosa using cultured oral keratinocytes (OKCs) on an amniotic membrane (AM), and to evaluate the possibility of developing a prelaminated myomucosal flap using the fabricated bioartificial mucosa and local muscle flap. Buccal mucosa was harvested from male New Zealand rabbits (n = 40, 2.5-3.0 kg) and primary cultivation was performed. The cultured OKCs were seeded on the AM and a submerged culture was performed. Prelamination of the bioartificial mucosa was performed on the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of rabbits. Survival rate, layer of OKCs, and Cinamon's score (CS) based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations were evaluated 7, 10, 14, and 21 days after prelamination (n = 10 per day). The OKCs cultured on AM showed multiple layers (3.85 +/- 1.32) and cells were tightly adhered with desmosomes. Basal layer cells adhered to the AM with hemidesmosomes. In addition, the AM played an excellent role as a substrate for the OKCs and simplified handling during prelamination. A myomucosal flap with OKCs cultured on AM was fabricated within 2 weeks (CS: 11.05 +/- 2.63). The basement component of laminin was observed 2 weeks after prelamination and showed enough strength to adhere to the underlying fascia. A myomucosal flap was successfully developed using prelamination of bioartificial mucosa on the LD muscle between 10 and 14 days.

Reconstruction of the mandible after ablative surgery for the treatment of aggressive, benign odontogenic tumours in Tanzania: a preliminary study

This study presents results on 11 patients suffering from ameloblastoma who had ablative surgery followed by reconstruction of the mandible in a single operative procedure in Tanzania. The procedure included the use of autogenous particulate bone from the anterior or posterior iliac crest. In 6 of the patients, the tumour was removed from the cortical scaffold, which was then irradiated with 50 Gy. Perforations were made on the scaffold and it was then placed back to fit the defect and was held in place by custom-made titanium plates, fixed on both ends with screws. The particulate bone chips were mixed with autogenous platelet rich plasma (PRP) and Tissue Col. In 5 of the patients, the cortical scaffold was not used but rather a mixture of bone and PRP was packed into the defect under the titanium plates. Four patients had some complications varying from fracture of the scaffolds to infection. None from the group reconstructed without scaffolds suffered any complications. A quality of life (QOL) assessment of the 7 successful cases showed that these patients were satisfied and had a good QOL. These results imply that this immediate means of reconstruction is feasible and thus, offers a big advantage to the patients.

Cleft Palate Fistula Closure with a Mucosal Prelaminated Lateral Upper Arm Flap

BACKGROUND

Recurrent cleft palate fistula is a challenge for maxillofacial surgeons. In severe cases, microvascular tissue transfer is necessary to treat these patients successfully.

METHODS

A 23-year-old man with cleft lip and palate, previously treated elsewhere, presented with a 2-cm defect in the posterior hard palate. A tongue flap had already been performed. It was decided to close the persistent fistula with a lateral upper-arm flap. In a first-step operation, a free graft of buccal mucosa was fixed to the lateral upper arm subcutaneously and covered with an alloplastic sheet. After 11 weeks, the prelaminated flap was harvested and transferred to the palate.

RESULTS

Integration of the buccal mucosa to the upper arm was uneventful. On harvesting the flap, we found a smooth, thin, and continuous fasciomucosal flap with a mucosa surface of 4 x 4 cm. Healing of the microvascular flap in its recipient site was regular. The fistula was closed successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a lateral upper-arm flap prelaminated with autologous mucosa. By prelamination, it is possible to circumvent the disadvantage of extraoral skin within the oral cavity and to cover mucosal defects with mucosa, especially in elective procedures, such as cleft cases.

Lip and Perioral Reconstruction

For defects up to approximately 80% of either upper or lower lip, reconstructions that use remaining lip and cheek can function and look reasonably well. Free tissue transfers, such as the free radial forearm flap, are useful for larger defects as they import additional tissue in one step and reduce microstomia, which is more likely to result from local tissue repairs. At best, free flaps provide a static dam or curtain that functions as a lip; at worst, they deliver a large amount of composite tissue to allow for primary healing. Satisfactory outcomes after free flap reconstructions for lip are best achieved when the transferred tissue is integrated with the native tissues by suspending free flaps appropriately, resurfacing with the flaps with vermilion substitutes, and judicious interposition of remaining lip segments.

Lateral upper arm free flap for primary reconstruction of pharyngeal defects in ablative oncological surgery. Report of six consecutive cases

Free microvascular flaps are an established method for soft tissue reconstruction following ablative oncological surgery in the head and neck. Functional reconstructions of the hypopharynx and the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) are of particular relevance, as they are highly demanding surgical procedures. So far, the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and the free jejunal transfer have been the transplants predominantly used for this purpose. The lateral upper arm free flap (LUFF) presents an alternative method for the fasciocutaneous tissue transfer. We report on our experience with the LUFF in a 56-year-old male patient with a pT3pN0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. A pharyngocutaneous fistula developed 5 days after pharyngolaryngectomy with bilateral neck dissection. The fistula was localized between the pharyngeal constrictor muscle and the esophagus and was closed with an LUFF from the left arm. Excellent flap adaptation to the remaining pharyngeal mucosa was observed. Although the length of the vascular pedicle and the diameter of the vessels in the LUFF are smaller than those in the RFFF, neither pedicle length nor vessel diameter proved to be a problem. The LUFF can be recommended as a well-vascularized, relatively safe and reliable flap for reconstruction of tubular structures such as the hypopharynx and the PES after tumor ablation and as an alternative to the RFFF. The flexibility of the LUFF allows surgeons to reconstruct the anatomy of the lost soft tissues as adequately as possible.

The buccinator musculomucosal island flap for partial tongue reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Ideal tongue reconstruction after partial or total glossectomy should be accomplished with like tissue. The buccinator musculomucosal island flap is similar to lingual tissue, consisting of thin, pliable mucosa of mucus production, with high cell renewal rate and minimal scar formation, excellent color, contour, texture match, and buccinator muscle fibers over the flap's entire length, providing tongual muscle reconstruction without a conspicuous donor site.

STUDY DESIGN

The buccinator musculomucosal island flap, based on the facial artery and vein, is designed in a shuttle or in a fish-mouth fashion, encompassing the oral commissure anteriorly. If the flap design is made in a three-leaf shape, a larger flap will be obtained without an oral corner deformity or mouth opening difficulty. The flap is safe and simple to raise. The pedicle of the flap is longer and quite reliable and has a wide range of applicability. The flap may be used for reconstruction of the partial glossectomy defect (tongual defect was not more than half a tongue). The surgeon must know about possible anatomic variations, especially in the venous system, and plan to raise a contralateral buccinator musculomucosal island flap if homolateral facial vascular variation jeopardizes the flap's survival.

RESULTS

The flap was successfully used for partial tongue reconstruction in 16 patients, and all flaps have survived without complications. Satisfactory results (including configuration and function of the neotongue) were achieved. Electromyographic studies performed on one patient with half glossectomy revealed reinnervation of the muscle in the flap with active motion of the reconstructed tongue.

CONCLUSION

The buccal musculomucosal island flap based on the facial artery and vein is a better reconstruction option with the same or similar kind of tissue as the tongue and, with the addition of the reinnervated flap, offers the potential for improved physiologic motion.