Prefabricated scalping forehead flap with skeletal support

Morbidity Associated With Structural Graft Use in Paramedian Forehead Flap

INTRODUCTION

Paramedian forehead flap for nasal reconstruction may involve the use of a structural graft. The authors hypothesized that the use of structural grafts with paramedian forehead flap is associated with an increased risk of 30-day complications.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of the American College of Surgeon (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). We identified all patients undergoing paramedian forehead flap reconstruction from 2007 through 2018 using Current Procedural Terminology code 15731. Patients who had structural graft harvested at the time of paramedian forehead flap were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Groups were defined based on the use of structural grafts. Propensity score matching was performed using preoperative and intraoperative characteristics to produce matched cohorts. The authors further stratified individual graft types to identify differential risks associated with each. Logistic regression was then used to determine whether the use of structural grafts was associated with increased risk for 30-day complications.

RESULTS

The authors identified 1198 patients with paramedian forehead flap reconstruction, of whom 325 (27.1%) required structural grafts. Propensity score matching 1:1 yielded 247 patients in each of the matched cohorts. Overall 30-day complications (4.5% versus 5.3%), wound related complications (3.2% versus 4.1%), systemic complications (1.2% versus 2%), unplanned reoperation (6.5% versus 3.2%), and unplanned readmission (6.6% versus 10.2%) were similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis of different graft types showed that costochondral graft was associated with increased wound related complications (0.9% versus 8.3%, P = 0.03). The odds of having wound related complications with the use of costochondral graft was OR = 5.3, CI = 1.5-18.8, P = 0.02.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the use of structural grafts does not increase risk of overall 30-day complications, there is an increased risk of wound related complications associated with the use of costochondral and rib grafts.

Total Nasal Reconstruction With Prefabricated and Prelaminated Free Flap

Nasal reconstruction is a complex staged procedure. When optimal donor areas are unavailable, flap prefabrication and prelamination techniques can be used for total nasal reconstruction. A technique of total nasal reconstruction using neovascularization of the supraclavicular skin from a skin free flap used for internal lining, along with prelamination of the cartilage framework and surgical delays, is described in 2 patients with adverse anatomical conditions.

Long-Term Results of Partial Nasal Reconstructions with Indian Flap

The aim of the study was clinical evaluation of the results following reconstruction with the Indian flap in patients with partial nasal defects, and estimation of their postoperative life quality in functional and aesthetic aspects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed results in 38 patients who underwent reconstructions with the Indian flap in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery between years 2000‑2013. The patients were followed-up for at least 2 years. We estimated their life quality in aesthetic and functional aspects after surgery.

RESULTS

Observed complications of nasal reconstruction were alar asymmetry in 6 patients (15.8%), nasal obstruction in 6 persons (15.8%), wide postoperative scar in 4 (10.5%), and non-aesthetic appearance of the donor site in two cases (5.3%). Estimation of life quality post surgery in the examined group of patients revealed significant postoperative improvement in both functional and aesthetic aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Reconstructions of nasal defects with the Indian flap resulted in satisfactory longterm postoperative results, which confirms the efficiency of the applied technique. 2. Reconstructive surgery with Indian flap of individuals with partial nasal defects contributed to significant postoperative improvement in both functional and aesthetic aspects and their life quality.