Oncologic reconstruction: General principles and techniques

Evolution and current status of microsurgical tongue reconstruction, part II

Tongue reconstruction remains a major aspect of head and neck reconstructive procedures. Surgeons planning tongue reconstruction should consider several factors to optimize the overall outcomes. Specifically, various technical aspects related to tongue reconstruction have been found to affect the outcomes. Multidisciplinary teams dedicated to oncologic, reconstructive, and rehabilitative approaches play an essential role in the reconstructive process. Moreover, operative planning addressing certain patient-related and defect-related factors is crucial for optimizing functional speech and swallowing, as well as quality of life outcomes. Furthermore, tongue reconstruction is a delicate process, in which overall functional outcomes result from proper flap selection and shaping, recipient vessel preparation and anastomosis, surgical approaches to flap insetting, and postoperative management. The second part of this review summarizes these factors in relation to tongue reconstruction.

Head and Neck Reconstruction of the Vessel-Depleted Neck: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Damage of the vascular system secondary to radical neck dissection and/or radiotherapy or other treatments has a negative impact on microsurgical reconstruction. The search for adequate recipient vessels is hindered by the complexity of previous procedures.

METHODS

A systematic review of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction in the vessel-depleted neck was performed. The issues analyzed were indications for surgery, more frequently performed flaps, vascular systems used as recipient vessels, outcomes, and complications.

RESULTS

The eligibility criteria were fulfilled by 57 studies published between September 1993 and January 2020. In 8235 patients, 8694 flaps were performed, 925 of which were for a vessel-depleted neck. The most commonly used flap was the anterolateral thigh flap, used in 195 cases (30%), followed by the radial forearm free flap, used in 157 cases (24%). The potential recipient vessels were numerous for arteries (26 options) and veins (31 options). For the 712 flaps with an identifiable recipient artery, the superficial temporal artery was the most commonly used vessel (n = 142, 20%). The superficial temporal vein was the most commonly used vessel for 639 flaps with an identifiable recipient vein (n = 118, 18.5%). Complications amounted to 11%; 80 out of 716 flaps in papers that reported them. Flap losses were reported in 2% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Major microsurgical head and neck reconstruction for postoncologic defects depends on appropriate recipient vessels. Vein availability is paramount. Understanding the complexity of this problem is useful for preoperative planning, precise decision-making, and an accurate surgical approach.

Human Acellular Dermal Matrix is a Viable Alternative to Autologous Skin Graft in Patients with Cutaneous Malignancy

Skin substitutes have shown success in complex wound reconstruction. We evaluate the use of a human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a viable alternative to autologous skin grafting for defects secondary to skin cancer excision. An institutional review board–approved, retrospective review of ADM-reconstructed defects secondary to skin cancer excision between 2012 and 2018 was conducted. ADM was indicated in patients with preclusive factors for general anesthesia, protracted procedure time, reluctance for additional donor site wound, and personal choice. We reviewed defect characteristics, healing time, postoperative outcomes, and patient demographics. The 228 participants (151 males, 77 females) had a median age of 72 years (range, 29–95 years), with melanoma diagnosed in 113 (49.6%), squamous cell carcinoma in 61 (26.8%), and basal cell carcinoma in 28 (12.2%) patients. The median interval to complete epidermal coverage was 42 days, with graft failure evident in six patients (2.6%). ADM is a viable, low-morbid alternative for reconstruction of defects secondary to skin cancer excision, with no donor site morbidity. With exception to complete healing time, outcomes are similar to those of autologous grafting.

Multiple pedicled flaps cover for large defects following resection of malignant tumors with partition concept

Large defects after skin malignant tumors resection were difficult to repair. We introduced a partition concept, in which the large defects were divided into several subunits, and each subunit was repaired by a certain pedicled flap to achieve a complete coverage.Between May 2012 and Oct 2016, 8 patients with skin malignant tumors underwent radical resection. Prior to surgery, the dimension of the potential defect after tumor ablation was estimated and outlined. After evaluation, the partition concept was applied and the defects were divided into several subunits. Also, the rationality of the choice of pedicled flap was evaluated. Each flap was used to cover its specific subunits defect.After excision, the defect areas were from 13 × 17 cm to 36 × 23 cm. Each subunit was designed to be repaired with a pedicled flap, which included local random flap, superficial iliac artery flap, transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, lateral thoracic advanced island flap, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap, and deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap. Primary closure of both donor and recipient sites was achieved in all patients. All the flaps survived. Flap necrosis was not observed.Reconstruction of large defects following resection of malignant tumors with multiple pedicled flaps was a reliable method. The partition concept is useful in the reconstruction of large tumor wounds in 1-stage operation.