Microvascular tissue transfer in cleft palate patients: advocacy of the prelaminated radial free forearm flap

Managing massive palatial defect secondary to palatoplasty failures: an in-depth analysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Massive palatal defects resulting from palatoplasty failures arising from cleft palate repair complications present ongoing challenges in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date insights into aetiology, risk factors, surgical techniques, and adjunctive therapies, aiming to enhance the understanding of such complex cases, and optimize patient outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Primary palatoplasty has fistula recurrence rates ranging from 2.4% to 55%. Factors such as cleft width, surgical repair method, and patient characteristics, influence the likelihood of failure. Classifications such as the Pakistan Comprehensive Classification and Richardson's criteria aid in assessing defects. Surgical options range from local flaps and revision palatoplasty to regional flaps (e.g., buccinator myomucosal, facial artery-based flaps, tongue flaps, nasal septal flaps) to free microvascular flaps. Alternative approaches include obturator prostheses, and acellular dermal matrix has been used as an adjuvant to multiple repair techniques. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has emerged as an adjunctive therapy to enhance tissue healing.

SUMMARY

This comprehensive review underscores the intricate challenges associated with massive palatal defects resulting from palatoplasty failures. The diverse range of surgical and nonsurgical options emphasizes the importance of patient-centric, individualized approaches. Practitioners, armed with evidence-based insights, can navigate these complexities, offering tailored interventions for improved patient outcomes.

Free Flap Reconstruction of Recalcitrant Defects in Cleft Palate Patients

INTRODUCTION

Defects of the palate can be as a result of oronasal fistula of cleft patients and the ablative surgery of tumors. There are many studies about reconstruction of the defects of plate in the literature and most of them are related to tumor surgery. Despite the use of free flaps in cleft patients being not a new approach, the articles in the literature are very few. The authors describe the experience of oronasal fistula reconstructions with free flaps with a new modification of tensionless inset of the free flap's pedicle.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2019 and 2022, 2 males and 1 female, 3 consecutive cleft patients underwent free flap surgery because of recalcitrant palatal defects. One patient had 5 and each of remain had 3 unsuccessful reconstructive attempts previously. The age of patients was ranged from 20 to 23 years old. Radial forearm flap was the option of oral lining reconstruction for all patients. In 2 patients, the flap was modified as a skin tail was linked to the flap for covering the pedicle as tensionless closure.

RESULTS

There was a mucosal swelling in first patient who underwent classical pedicle inset as mucosal tunneling. In 1 patient there was a spontaneous bleeding from the anterior side of the flap and it stopped without medical interventions, spontaneously. There was no additional complication. All flaps survived without anastomosis problems.

CONCLUSION

Incision of the mucosa rather than tunneling provides good surgical exposure and bleeding control and modified flap design may be beneficial and reliable for tensionless pedicle inset and covering.

Microvascular reconstructions in oral and maxillofacial surgery - Results of a survey among oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

This study aimed to evaluate the use of microvascular free flaps (MFF) in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. A dynamic online questionnaire, using 42-46 questions, was sent to OMF surgeons based in hospitals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The questionnaire was evaluated internally and externally. Aside from general information, data were collected on organizational aspects, approaches, MFF types and frequency, presurgical planning, intraoperative procedures, perioperative medications, flap monitoring, and patient management. Participants mostly performed 30-40 MFF each year (11/53). Most stated that the COVID-19 pandemic did influence MFF frequency (25/53) to varying extents. Radial forearm flap was most frequently used (37/53), followed by ALT (5/53), and fibula flap (5/53). Primary reconstruction was performed by most participants (35/48). Irradiated bony transplants were mostly used for implant placement after 12 months (23/48). Most participants (38/48) used reconstruction plates, followed by miniplates (36/48), PSI reconstruction (31/48), and PSI miniplates (10/48). Regarding the postoperative use of anticoagulants, low-molecular-weight (37/48) and unfractioned heparins (15/48) were widely used, most often for 3-7 days (26/48). Clinical evaluation was mostly preferred for flap monitoring (47/48), usually every 2 h (34/48), for at least 48 h (19/48). Strong heterogeneity in MFF reconstructions in OMFS was found, especially regarding the timepoints of reconstruction, types of osteosynthesis, and postoperative MFF management. These findings provide the chance to further compare the different treatment algorithms regarding relevant MFF aspects, such as postoperative management. This could create evidence-based treatment algorithms that will further improve the clinical outcomes in MFF reconstructions.

Speech and swallowing function following microsurgical reconstruction of palatal defects in a series of six pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of extensive palatal defects in growing patients aims to restore speech intelligibility and swallowing function while avoiding excessive scarring formation that may cause growth disturbances in the palate and midface region. Free flaps transfer healthy, well-vascularized tissue to the defect area, and their combination with pharyngeal flaps allow for restoration of the velopharyngeal function. We examined speech and swallowing after microsurgical palate reconstruction in a series of six pediatric patients.

METHODS

Radial forearm free flaps were used in all cases, in combination with a superiorly based pharyngeal flap in five cases. Mean age at surgery was 10.7 years. Etiologies included recurrent oronasal fistula due to failed primary cleft palate repair (n = 4), embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the maxilla (n = 1), and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (n = 1). Speech evaluations (with the Hirose standard and listener ratings) and swallowing assessments (based on videofluoroscopy swallowing studies and patient-reported swallowing and diet) were performed in average 44 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

All flaps survived without major postoperative complications. Speech intelligibility was graded as "excellent" in four patients and "moderate" in two. Hypernasality and nasal obstruction were each judged as "none/minimal" in five cases and "moderate" in one case. All patients tolerated oral diet without significant nasal regurgitation. In five of six patients, the swallowing assessment showed good motion and velopharyngeal closure.

CONCLUSION

Microsurgical reconstruction of extensive palatal defects using radial forearm free flap, with or without a superiorly based pharyngeal flap, is a reliable technique that can deliver substantial improvement of speech and swallowing in pediatric patients.

Management of Palatal Fistula Using Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap With Intraoral Anastomosis and Supermicrosurgery Techniques

ABSTRACT

Postoperative palatal fistula following primary cleft palate repair, especially wide and recurrent defects, presents significant challenges to management. When the fistula is surrounded by limited and scarred regional tissues, vascularized free flaps are recommended. The authors propose a novel method to repair a wide and recurrent palatal fistula resulting in excellent aesthetics and minor donor-site complications. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was transferred with the application of intraoral anastomosis and supermicrosurgery techniques for palatal fistula closure.

Protocol and Evaluation of 3D-Planned Microsurgical and Dental Implant Reconstruction of Maxillary Cleft Critical Size Defects in Adolescents and Young Adults

Functional and esthetic final reconstruction of the cleft maxilla is still challenging. Current reconstructive and augmentation techniques do not provide sufficient bone and soft tissue support for the predictable rehabilitation with dental implants due to presence of maxillary bone critical size defects and soft tissue deficiency, scaring and poor vascularity. In this article the protocol for the use of 3D virtual surgical planning and microvascular tissue transfers for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of cleft maxilla is presented. Twenty-five patients (8 male/17 female) aged 14–41 years old with cleft-associated critical size defects were treated by 3D-virtual planned microvascular tissue transfers taken either from fibula, iliac crest, radial forearm, or medial femoral condyle. Follow-up lasted 1–5 years. No significant bone resorption (p > 0.005) nor volume loss of the graft was observed (p = 0.645). Patients received final permanent prosthetic reconstruction of the anterior maxilla based on 2–5 dental implants, depending on the defect severity. This is the first study presenting the use of virtual planning in the final restoration of the cleft maxilla with microvascular tissue transfers and dental implants. Presented protocol provide highly functional and aesthetic results.

Outcomes of Surgical Management of Palatal Fistulae in Patients With Repaired Cleft Palate

BACKGROUND

The palatal fistula is an important surgical challenge within the longitudinal follow-up of patients with repaired cleft palate as the success rate of palatal fistula reconstruction by adopting several surgical techniques is variable and often unsatisfactory. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the clinical outcomes of an algorithm for the surgical management of palatal fistulae in patients with repaired cleft palate.

METHODS

Consecutive patients (n = 101) with repaired cleft palate and palatal fistula-related symptoms who were treated according to a specific algorithm between 2009 and 2017 were included. Based on the anatomical location (Pittsburgh fistula types II-V), amount of scarring (minimal or severe scarred palate), and diameter of the fistula (≤5 mm or >5 mm), 1 of 3 approaches (local flaps [62.4%], buccinator myomucosal flaps [20.8%], or tongue flaps [16.8%]) was performed. For clinical outcome assessment, symptomatic and anatomical parameters (fistula-reported symptoms and residual fistula, respectively) were combined as follows: complete fistula closure with no symptoms; asymptomatic narrow fistula remained; or failure to repair the fistula ("good," "fair," or "poor" outcomes, respectively). Surgical-related complication data were also collected.

RESULTS

Most patients (91.1%) presented "good" clinical outcomes, ranging from 86.2% to 100% (86.2%, 100%, and 100% for local flaps, buccinator flaps, and tongue flaps, respectively). All (8.9%) "fair" and "poor" outcomes were observed in fistulae reconstructed by local flaps. All "poor" (5%) outcomes were observed in borderline fistulae (4-5 mm). No surgical-related complications (dehiscence, infections, or necrosis) were observed, except for an episode of bleeding after the 1st stage of tongue flap-based reconstruction (1.0%).

CONCLUSION

A high rate of fistula resolution was achieved using this algorithm for surgical management of palatal fistulae in patients with repaired cleft palate.

Accuracy of Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing-Assisted Mandibular Reconstruction With a Fibula Free Flap

BACKGROUND

The recent increase in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-assisted surgery has warranted a thorough evaluation of the accuracy of virtual plan execution. Mandibular reconstructions with a fibula free flap were evaluated by comparing the fibular segments postoperatively with the virtual surgical plans.

METHODS

This study included computed tomography data for 20 patients (11 males; mean age 61.3 years, range 47-74) that received a mandibular reconstruction with a fibula free flap. Linear distances (superior and inferior borders) of 41 fibula segments and intercoronoid distances were measured.

RESULTS

The mean difference was 3.11 ± 2.80 mm for superior borders (range 0.02-12.20 mm), and 2.75 ± 2.61 mm for inferior borders (range 0.22-13.58 mm). The mean intercoronoid difference was 3.57 ± 1.80 mm (range 0.91-6.11 mm).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the presumed accuracy regarding the use of fibular and mandibular cutting guides. CAD/CAM is an attractive technique which enhances efficiency and assurance during surgery and preoperative planning.

Masticatory Rehabilitation of a Patient with Cleft Lip and Palate Malformation Using a Maxillary Full-Arch Reconstruction with a Prefabricated Fibula Flap

For full-arch reconstruction of an atrophied cleft maxilla with missing premaxilla, a prefabricated microvascular free bony flap is a relevant option. A fibula flap was prefabricated in a cleft patient who received six dental implants and an epithelial layer. Six weeks later, maxillary reconstruction was performed. The inpatient period could be confined to 2 weeks. A fixed provisional prosthesis was delivered after an additional 2 weeks. A prefabricated flap allows for the reduction of the interval without a dental prosthesis to only a few weeks, even when a complex full-arch reconstruction of the maxilla is required.

Flap Necrosis after Palatoplasty in Patients with Cleft Palate

Palatal necrosis after palatoplasty in patients with cleft palate is a rare but significant problem encountered by any cleft surgeon. Few studies have addressed this disastrous complication and the prevalence of this problem remains unknown. Failure of a palatal flap may be attributed to different factors like kinking or section of the pedicle, anatomical variations, tension, vascular thrombosis, type of cleft, used surgical technique, surgeon's experience, infection, and malnutrition. Palatal flap necrosis can be prevented through identification of the risk factors and a careful surgical planning should be done before any palatoplasty. Management of severe fistulas observed as a consequence of palatal flap necrosis is a big challenge for any cleft surgeon. Different techniques as facial artery flaps, tongue flaps, and microvascular flaps have been described with this purpose. This review article discusses the current status of this serious complication in patients with cleft palate.

The Rate of Oronasal Fistula Following Primary Cleft Palate Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite decades of craniofacial surgeons repairing cleft palates, there is no consensus for the rate of fistula formation following surgery. The authors present a meta-analysis of studies that reported on primary cleft palate to determine the rate of oronasal fistula and to identify risk factors for their development.

METHODS

A literature search for the period between 2000 and 2012 was performed. Articles were queried and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to focus on primary cleft palate repair. A meta-analysis of these data was conducted.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 11 studies, comprising 2505 children. The rate of oronasal fistula development was 4.9% (95% confidence interval, 3.8% to 6.1%). When analyzing a larger cohort, there was a significant relationship between Veau classification and the occurrence of a fistula (P < .001), with fistulae most prevalent in patients with a Veau IV cleft. The most common location for a fistula was at the soft palate-hard palate junction. One study used decellularized dermis in cleft repair with a fistula rate of 3.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using 11 studies comprising 2505 children, we find the rate of reported fistula occurrence to be 4.9%. Furthermore, patients with a Veau IV cleft are significantly more likely to develop an oronasal fistula. When fistulae do occur, they do so most often at the soft palate-hard palate junction. A deeper understanding of fistula formation will help cleft palate surgeons improve their outcomes in the operating room and will allow them to effectively communicate expectations with patients' families in the clinic.

A shift from the osteocutaneous fibula flap to the prelaminated osteomucosal fibula flap for maxillary reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of the maxilla with the fibula free flap is a popular and well-described technique. The ideal intraoral lining would be mucosa, which is moist, thin, and non-hair-bearing. Prelamination of the fibula with buccal mucosa replaces like tissue with like tissue, obviates the need for a skin paddle, and facilitates placement of osseointegrated implants in a single stage. For central maxillary defects, the authors have shifted from using an osteocutaneous to a prelaminated free fibula flap. In this article, the authors report their experience using the prelaminated osteomucosal fibula for maxillary reconstruction.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2011, 24 patients underwent reconstruction of a central maxillary defect using a free fibula flap. The first 10 patients had osteoseptocutaneous flaps, and the other 14 patients had prelaminated flaps. Data collected included patient age, cause of defect, type and number of operations, complications at both the donor and recipient sites, and placement of osseointegrated implants.

RESULTS

The majority of patients in the series (n = 21) had central maxillary defects caused by loss of the premaxilla during early repair of bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate. There was one flap failure in the nonprelaminated flap group and one in the prelaminated group. Repeated debulking to thin the skin paddle was required in all of the patients with osteocutaneous flaps.

CONCLUSIONS

Prelamination delivers like tissue to the recipient site, obviates the need for debulking, and may reduce donor-site wound problems. To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest series of prelaminated fibulas for maxillary reconstruction in the literature.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.