Long-term Follow-up Study of Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction After Hemiglossectomy

Anterolateral thigh, radial forearm and superficial circumflex iliac perforator flaps in oral reconstruction: a comparative analysis

BACKGROUND

Anterolateral thigh (ALT) and Radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) are historically the most common methods of oral reconstruction. The Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (SCIP) is an alternative providing a donor site that can be readily closed primarily with improved cosmesis in younger patients, due to its concealability.

METHODS

We reviewed 135 patients who received ALT, RFFF or SCIP flaps for oral reconstruction in our institution. Our aim was to compare operative and perioperative outcomes between each cohort. ANOVA and χ² test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

There were 37 ALT, 64 RFFF and 35 SCIP reconstructions. Patients reconstructed with SCIP flaps had smaller resection volumes (P < 0.001) and earlier T and N classifications (P = 0.001, P = 0.008), and consequently reduced tracheostomy rates (P < 0.001), reduced need for enteral feeding at discharge (P < 0.001) and shorter length of stay and perioperative times (P < 0.001). SCIP flaps were more common in younger patients (P < 0.01). ALT flaps were used for more advanced disease (P = 0.001) and had larger resection volumes (P < 0.001) and increased need for assisted enteral feeding (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in flap or donor site outcomes. There were two flap failures, both RFFF.

CONCLUSION

Each flap plays an important role in the reconstruction of oral defects, with larger defects preferentially reconstructed with ALT flaps. SCIP appears to be a reliable alternative in small defects with excellent perioperative and postoperative outcomes.

A Head-to-Head Comparison of the Medial Sural Artery Perforator versus Radial Forearm Flap for Tongue Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

 For tongue reconstruction, the radial forearm flap (RFF) is commonly used. In the last decade, the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has been successfully used with reportedly superior donor-site outcomes. Our study is the first to compare the RFF and MSAP for reconstruction of partial glossectomy defects (<50% of tongue).

METHODS

 We conducted a retrospective review of 20 patients with partial glossectomy defects reconstructed at a tertiary referral center. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Objective measures of speech, swallowing, and subjective patient satisfaction with their donor site were recorded.

RESULTS

 Ten RFF and MSAP were each used, with a mean partial glossectomy defect size of 40.5 and 43.5%, respectively. The MSAP was significantly thicker (7.8 vs. 4.3 mm, p < 0.05) with a longer harvest time (122.5 vs. 75.0 minutes, p < 0.05). There were no cases of free flap failure. Donor-site healing times were comparable, but the MSAP group experienced significantly less donor-site complications (n = 1 vs. n = 7, p < 0.05). Functional outcomes were comparable with 13 patients achieving normal speech and diet after 3 months (MSAP = 6 vs. RFF = 7, p = 1.00). All patients were satisfied with their donor-site outcome with the MSAP group having a marginally higher score.

CONCLUSION

 Both flaps are good options for partial glossectomy reconstruction. Though more challenging to harvest, the MSAP gives comparable functional results and has become our first reconstructive option given its superior donor-site outcomes.

Tongue reconstruction: Rebuilding mobile three-dimensional structures from immobile two-dimensional substrates, a fresh cadaver study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the two-dimensional (2D) characteristics of flaps necessary to create three-dimensional (3D) tongue anatomy.

METHODS

Dissection of 11 fresh, nonpreserved human cadavers was performed. Six defects in each were created: total tongue, total oral tongue, hemiglossectomy, oral hemiglossectomy, total base of tongue, and hemi-base of tongue. The resections were debulked to create flat, 2D mucosal flaps. The dimensions and shapes of these flaps were determined.

RESULTS

Each specimen showed consistent dimensions and geometry between cadavers. The total tongue was pear-shaped, the total oral tongue was egg-shaped, the oral hemi-tongue was bullet-shaped, the hemi-tongue resembled a dagger, the total base of tongue was rectangular, and the hemi-base of tongue was hour-glass shaped.

CONCLUSION

Typical dimensions and shapes of common tongue defects were determined. It is conceivable that customizing reconstructive flaps based on these data will increase the accuracy of neo-tongue reconstruction, and thus, improve functional outcomes.

An algorithm to improve outcomes of radial forearm flap donor site

Abstarct Background: Due to the high rate of donor site complications the Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) has lost ground in favor of the Antero-lateral tight flap (ALT) and other flaps. We have designed a reconstruction algorithm for reconstruction of its donor site. The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the impact of this algorithm on RFF donor site complication rates.

METHODS

The authors analyzed retrospectively 31 patients who underwent free radial forearm flap reconstruction between November 2009 and May 2013. Donor site complications were compared with data from patients treated before introdutction of the algorithm. Within the group were compared patients in which the flap was harvested suprafascial with those in which the flap was harvested as subfascial.

RESULTS

Before application of the algorithm, there was a 23.3% complication rate at the RFF donor site, in our experience. After introduction of the algorithm, complication rate has dropped to 3.2%, consisting in a partial skin graft necrosis treated by local wound-care and healed without further intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of the algorithm described has led to a significant reduction in RFF donor site complication rates. This demonstrates that if flap donor sites are analyzed and tailor treated in the same way as primary defects are, instead of being given secondary importance and just grafted, outcomes improve.

Assessing the suitability of medial sural artery perforator flaps in tongue reconstruction - An outcome study

Introduction

Oncological resection of the tongue can be reconstructed using a multitude of free flaps. The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has been well described in the literature in terms of its anatomy and harvest. However, functional outcome studies of post-reconstruction tongue defects using the MSAP flap have not been reported. This study represents the largest outcome study of patients with tongue reconstructions using MSAP flaps and a comprehensive review of its use.

Materials and methods

From December of 2010 to October of 2015, 579 patients with subtotal glossectomy and free flap reconstructions in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. 27 patients were reconstructed with MSAP flap. The pre- and intra-operative factors, as well as flap-related factors were analyzed. Post-operative complications and functional outcomes were evaluated. Donor site assessment were also conducted.

Results

A 96.3% flap survival rate was found with an average total operating time of 6 hours and 18 minutes. 84.6% of patients had primary closure of the donor site with and the remaining either had skin grafts or delayed closure. Donor site closure can be achieved primarily with no functional deficit. Speech intelligibility remained for most patients. 100% of patients resumed normal oral feeding.

Conclusion

The MSAP flap is a small to medium sized flap most suited for subtotal glossectomy defects where optimal outcomes can be achieved in terms of speech clarity and restoration of oral intake.