• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.27-34
• /
• 2020

Background: Free-flap reconstruction for recurrent head and neck cancer may be challenging depending on the previous treatments, those are, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, including neck dissection or free tissue transfer. Specifically, the previous treatment could compromise the neck vessels, thereby making free-flap reconstruction more difficult. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between previous treatments and vascular compromise of the free flap. Methods: In this retrospective study, 124 free-flap reconstructions in 116 patients for recurrent head and neck cancer between 1993 and 2017 were investigated. The demographic characteristics, previous treatments, flap choices, infections, recipient vessels, and vascular crises were evaluated. Results: Of the 124 reconstruction cases, 10 had vascular crises. There were six revisions, totaling six flap failures. The success rate of free-flap reconstruction for recurrent cancer was 95.2%, which significantly differed from that for primary cancer (98.8%, p= 0.006). Moreover, in the recurrent cancer group, no correlation was found between previous treatments and vascular crises (p> 0.05). Increased rates of contralateral or uncommon anastomoses were found following neck dissection (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Previous neck dissection or radiotherapy could lead to scarring and tissue damage, which could in turn make microvascular reconstruction more challenging; however, the effect was not definite in this study. Approximately 60% of patients with previous neck dissection had compromised ipsilateral recipient vessels, which resulted in contralateral or uncommon anastomoses. In this study, free-flap reconstruction seems to be quite safe and preferable in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer based on the overall survival rate.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.17-22
• /
• 2022

Background: Reconstruction of large facial defects is challenging as both functional and cosmetic results must be considered. Reconstruction with forehead flaps on the face is advantageous; nonetheless, reconstruction of large defects with forehead flaps alone results in extensive scarring on the donor site. In our study, the results of reconstruction using a combination of forehead flaps and other techniques for large facial defects were evaluated. Methods: A total of 63 patients underwent reconstructive surgery using forehead flaps between February 2005 and June 2020 at our institution. Reconstruction of a large defect with forehead flaps alone has limitations; because of this, 22 patients underwent a combination of procedures and were selected as the subjects of this study. This study was retrospectively conducted by reviewing the patients' medical records. Additional procedures included orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous (OOMC) V-Y advancement flap, cheek advancement flap, nasolabial V-Y advancement flap, grafting, and simultaneous application of two different techniques. Flap survival, complications, and recurrence of skin cancer were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using questionnaires. Results: Along with reconstructive surgery using forehead flaps, nasolabial V-Y advancement flap was performed in nine patients, local advancement flap in three, OOMC V-Y advancement flap in two, grafting in five, and two different techniques in three patients. No patient developed flap loss; however, cancer recurred in two patients. The overall patient satisfaction was high. Conclusion: Reconstruction with a combination of forehead flaps and other techniques for large facial defects can be considered as both functionally and cosmetically reliable.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.111-117
• /
• 2012

Purpose: To report the clinical results of the perforated-based propeller flap for lower extremity soft tissue reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2012, a total of 16 defects in the lower extremities were covered with perforator-based propeller flaps. Retrospective data for location and size of the defect, flap dimension, pedicle artery, pedicle rotation, complications were obtained. Results: Peroneal artery-based perforator flap were used in eleven cases, posterior tibial artery-based perforator flap in two cases, anterior tibial artery-based perforator flap in one case and medial plantar artery-based perforator flap in two cases. The average size of the flaps was $63cm^2$. The marginal skin necrosis of the flaps as a complication was developed in two cases, one of which was covered with split-thickness skin graft. There were no functional deficits from the donor site. Conclusion: For the reconstruction of lower extremities, the perforator-based propeller flap could be a reasonable alternative as it is a simple, safe and versatile technique.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.105-113
• /
• 2015

The main challenge in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction is the restoration of swallow and speech functions. The aim of this paper is to review the reconstructive options and associated complications for patients with head and neck cancer. A literature review was performed for pharynoesophagus reconstruction after ablative surgery of head and neck cancer for studies published between January 1980 to July 2015 and listed in the PubMed database. Search queries were made using a combination of 'esophagus' and 'free flap', 'microsurgical', or 'free tissue transfer'. The search query resulted in 123 studies, of which 33 studies were full text publications that met inclusion criteria. Further review into the reference of these 33 studies resulted in 15 additional studies to be included. The pharyngoesophagus reconstruction should be individualized for each patient and clinical context. Fasciocutaneous free flap and pedicled flap are effective for partial phayngoesophageal defect. Fasciocutaneous free flap and jejunal free flap are effective for circumferential defect. Pedicled flaps remain a safe option in the context of high surgical risk patients, presence of fistula. Among free flaps, anterolateral thigh free flap and jejunal free flap were associated with superior outcomes, when compared with radial forearm free flap. Speech function is reported to be better for the fasciocutaneous free flap than for the jejunal free flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.253-258
• /
• 2018

Background The nasolabial flap is ideal for reconstruction of the nasal alar subunit due to its proximity, color and contour match, and well-placed donor scar. When raised as a random-pattern flap, there is a risk of vascular compromise to the tip with increased flap length and aggressive flap thinning. Surgical delay can greatly improve the chances of tip survival, allowing the harvest of longer flaps with greater reach. Methods We describe our technique of lengthening the nasolabial flap through multiple delay procedures. A bipedicled flap was first raised and then transferred as a unipedicled flap with a 6:1 length-to-width ratio. During the delay process, the flap tip was thinned to the subdermal layer. Results In our case series of seven patients, defects as far as the medial canthal area and contralateral ala were reconstructed successfully with no incidence of tip necrosis or flap loss. The resultant flaps were thin enough to be folded over for the reconstruction of alar rim defects. Conclusions We highlight the success of our surgical technique in creating thin and robust nasolabial flaps for the reconstruction of full-thickness defects around the nose.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.769-774
• /
• 2010

Purpose: As the soft tissue defect around the knee is difficult to reconstruct, local flap or free flap is used. Distally based anterolateral thigh pedicled flap introduced by Zhang uses sufficient reverse flow supplied from the vascular network around the knee. We report successful reconstruction of defect around knee by this method. Methods: Four patients with skin & soft tissue defect around knee have been treated for reconstruction using the distally based anterolateral thigh pedicled flap. First, the doppler was used to check the perforator flap of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and to draw and dissect the perforator flap as much as needed. After the dissection, the proximal of the descending branch was clamped and checked for sufficient supply of blood flow from the reverse flow and then ligated. It was dissected along the descending branch and in order to prevent damage to the joined parts of the descending branch and the lateral superior geniculate artery, a more careful ligation was done starting from 10 cm superior to the knee. The defect was reconstructed after securing enough vascular pedicle to cover all the damaged parts. Results: Not all patients suffered from flap necrosis. In case of the patient with chronic osteomyelitis, slight venous congestion was observed right after the surgery but it disappeared the following day. All three patients had no occurences of additional complications. Conclusion: Distally based anterolateral thigh pedicled flap was enough to provide large flap for knee reconstruction. It had sufficient blood flow and vascular pedicle. It also had taken short operation time compared to the free flap operation. The distally based anterolateral thigh pedicled flap used by the authors is a very useful way of reconstructing the area around knee.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.190-195
• /
• 2005

Background and Objectives: Fibula is the flap of choice for reconstruction of wide mandible defects after tumor ablation surgery. In mandible reconstruction, restoring the mandible frame to provide mandibular contour and dental arch while restoring masticatory function are important. Even though vascularized fibula can be osteotomized freely, proper design and flap insetting is not easy because of its three dimensional structure and difference in design according to the defect sites. We reviewed patients who underwent mandible reconstruction with fibular flaps according to the defect sites and suggest proper modification methods of fibular flap according to the various defects sites after tumor ablation surgery. Materials and Methods: Twelve consecutive mandible reconstruction with fibular free flaps were performed for defects after tumor ablation surgery. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to the type of mandibular defect(Group 1 : defect on central segment including symphysis, Group 2 : defect on lateral segment(with or without central segment) confined to body, Group 3 : defect on body and ascending ramus that does not include the condyle, Group 4 : defect including the condyle). Results: We suggest different modification methods of fibular free flap for each patient group. Group 1, 3 ; contour by using multiple closing wedge osteotomy. Group 2 ; single or double barrel reconstruction without wedge osteotomy. Group 4 ; contour using single or multiple wedge osteotomy and condylar reconstruction with costochondral graft. Conclusion: Fibular free flaps can be contoured to any desired shape after multiple osteotomies to restore various mandibular defects. It is a reliable and versatile method for reconstruction of mandibular defects after tumor ablation surgery.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.41
• /
• pp.14.1-14.10
• /
• 2019

Background: Condylar dislocation can arise as a complication in patients who required mandibular and/or condylar reconstruction and were operated on with fibula free flap (FFF) using surgical guides designed using simulation surgery. Surgeons should be aware of the complications in these present cases when planning and performing reconstructions as well as predicting prognoses. Cases presentation: Two cases showed condylar dislocation in mandibular reconstruction using a FFF fixed with a reconstruction plate. Three cases showed condylar dislocation in mandibular reconstruction using a fibula free flap fixed with a mini-plate. Conclusion: Despite the lack of clinical symptoms in these cases following mandibular reconstruction using an FFF, the mandibular condyle was severely displaced away from the glenoid fossa. A surgeon must have sufficient time to consider the use of a long flap with thickness similar to that of the mandible, ways to minimize span and bending, and methods of fixation. The patient, moreover, should be educated on condylar dislocation. Customized CAD/CAM-prototyped temporomandibular condyle-connected plates may be a good alternative even if virtual simulation surgery is to be performed before surgery. These considerations may help reduce the incidence of complications after mandibular reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.715-722
• /
• 2006

Purpose: The main advantages of the perforator flap are minimal donor site morbidity, preservation of any main source artery and its thin characteristics. Most perforator flaps for hand reconstruction need primary and secondary procedures such as a flap debulkiness and liposuction etc. However, flap thickness of calf area is thinner than any other perforator flaps. Methods: We performed an anatomical study and clinical application of medial sural artery perforator flap. We found that there are two or more medial sural perforators located on a straight line drawn from the mid-point of popliteal crease to the mid-point of medial malleolus. Most pathway of medial sural artery comes along with this line. It is possible to observe the first perforators almost exactly 8 cm from midpoint of popliteal crease in a distal half circle drawn with a radius of 2 cm. Results: We report 12 cases in 11 patients of hand reconstruction with medial sural perforator free flap from Febrary 2003 to Febrary 2006. Complete healing was possible in 11 cases. Total flap loss for venous insufficiency was in 1 patient. During the follow-up, good contour and full range of motion was observed on hand reconstruction with medial sural perforator free flap. Conclusion: In the authors' experience, this anatomical study made it possible to prepare a diagram of the exact location of the medial sural perforators. This flap can be used to achieve acceptable functional and aesthetic results for hand reconstruction because of its thin characteristics.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.24-28
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Soft tissue defect of the hand, which cannot be covered with skin graft or local flap, is usually reconstructed using a free flap. Temporoparietal fascial free flap is one of the best alternatives for functional reconstruction of the hand with exposed tendons, bones, and joints. Materials and Methods: We have experienced four cases of reconstruction using a temporoparietal fascial flap with a skin graft and followed up for 20 years. We conducted a retrospective review of the patients' clinical charts and photos. Results: At the time of initial injury, the average age of patients was 50.3 (39~62) years. The radial artery was used for reconstruction of the dorsal side of the hand, whereas the ulnar artery was used for that of the volar side of the wrist. Short term complication such as skin graft loss and donor site alopecia occurred. However, during the long term follow-up period, no change of flap volume was noted, and full range of motion in the adjacent joint was maintained. In addition, hyperpigmentation of the grafted skin on the flap disappeared gradually. Conclusion: Selection of the optimal flap is important for reconstruction of the hand without functional limitation. We obtained satisfactory soft tissue coverage and functional outcomes using a temporoparietal fascial free flap and followed up for 20 years.