Nasal columella reconstruction with a composite free flap from the root of auricular helix

Fifty free flaps from the ear

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of facial and intraoral defects is often challenging. Local pedicled flaps may not always be available and distant free flaps usually have suboptimal color match and texture for the facial area. The aim of this study was to assess whether auricular free flaps are a valid reconstructive option.

METHODS

Clinical data and outcomes of patients who underwent reconstruction with microsurgical flaps from the ear between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed. Patient demographic data, type of flaps, etiology, location and size of the defect, features of the pedicle and recipient vessels, complications, and additional surgeries were reviewed.

RESULTS

Overall, 48 patients with 50 microsurgical flaps were identified. Thirty-one patients (65%) were men and 17 were (35%) women. The median age was 62 years. Among the 50 flaps, 26 (52%) were helix flaps, 20 (40%) were temporal artery posterior auricular skin flaps, and 4 (8%) were extended helix flaps. The nose was the most frequently reconstructed region (n = 32, 64%), followed by the tongue (n = 6, 12%), floor of the mouth (n = 5%), lower eyelid (n = 2%), and in one (2%) patient each, restoration of the upper eyelid, ear, larynx, esophagus, lower lip, and palate. The median follow-up was 74 months. Three flaps (6%) were lost, and the overall rate of complications was 46%. Surgical intervention was required in 7 (14%) cases. All cases healed with acceptable cosmesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The ear is a valuable source of tissue for complex reconstructions of the face and intraoral regions. However, this technique is surgically demanding and should be reserved for selected cases.

The Reconstruction of the Nasal Columella Defect Using Domino Flaps

Skin defects of the total nasal columella can significantly impact both nasal respiratory function and aesthetics. The reconstruction of total columella is a complex process and represents a significant challenge for plastic surgeons. Various factors can cause the loss of the columella. Numerous columella reconstruction procedures have been proposed, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The main issues to address include the need for regional flaps from the forehead or nasofacial sulcus, a long pedicle to reach the columella, and the double angular folding that causes a risk of malnutrition or venous congestion. Additionally, using horizontal nasolabial flaps may lead to deformation of the upper lip. In this study, we present a new procedure to reconstruct the nasal columella using "Domino flaps" with two flaps (the horizontal upper lip island flap and nasocheek island flap). This new procedure ensures adequate skin for reconstruction of nasal columella and partial tip, minimizes rotation angle, reduces the angular folding of the pedicle, furthermore limits deformation of the upper lip. "Domino flaps" are a valuable option for surgeons when reconstructing the total nasal columella. However, it is important to consider whether the patient has a beard at the donor sites.

Free vascularized fascia lata flap for total columella reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Despite their relatively small size, columellar defects, including both external and internal elements, are exceedingly difficult to reconstruct. Local, regional, and distant flaps have been described for reconstruction. Herein, we present a novel technique for reconstruction of the columella using vascularized free fascia lata from the anterolateral thigh with structural replacement and skin grafting.

METHODS

This novel technique utilizes a small anterolateral thigh flap, formed into vascularized fascia lata without the overlying subcutaneous fat or skin. The fascia lata is inset into the columellar and caudal septal defect after a cartilage framework is constructed and is microsurgically anastomosed to either distal facial or angular vessels. A skin graft from the ALT donor site is then secured over the fascia.

RESULTS

This technique has been applied successfully in patients with either isolated columella or in multi-subunit reconstruction following total rhinectomy with no flap or reconstructive failures. Given the low morbidity of flap harvest and minimal access incisions, this has been reliably accomplished with short (1-2 day) hospital stays.

CONCLUSION

Rapid and aesthetically acceptable reconstruction of total nasal columella defects in isolation or with additional nasal subunit reconstruction, is possible utilizing this novel technique. Here we discuss pearls and pitfalls of its use following surgical resection of malignancy.

Using the Helical Free Flap Based on the Retrograde Flow From Frontal Branch of Superficial Temporal Vessels in Lower Third Nasal Reconstruction

ABSTRACT

Although the helical free flap is 1 of the most effective option for the lower third nasal reconstruction, the main limitation is still related to having a short pedicle length. In this report, the authors presented our experience in using the long pedicle helical free flap based on the frontal branch of the superficial temporal vessels in nasal reconstruction. Five patients, 3 alar full-thickness defects, 1 columellar defect, and 1 multiple subunit defect, underwent reconstruction using this technique. The pedicle length ranged from 4 to 6 cm. All the flaps were survived completely. However, vein congestion was seen post-operation in 1 case. This flap was saved by using medical leech. No vascular graft was needed. The helical free flap based on the retrograde flow of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery offers an option to overcome the limitation of short pedicle length. This composite flap is valuable for nasal alar and columellar reconstruction or even the larger defects, which involve multiple subunits.

Columella reconstruction using double nasolabial flap and costal cartilage: A case report

Total loss of columella causes significant aesthetic and functional deformities due to its important functions which provides assistance and extension to the nose pointer. Noma is described as one of the developed sources of total columellar loss, and is also contagious, with the ability to intensely damage facial tissues and immediate structures. However, the condition is predominantly suffered in Africa, with an estimation of 20 instances per 100,000 individuals. Furthermore, the reformation of a columellar disorder offers a complex process, due to the structural features of the location. A 24-year-old female patient with total columellar loss caused by Noma. We performed a two stage reconstruction. First, we used double nasolabial flaps to create a new columella. Second, we inserted costal cartilage and dermofat graft to support it. The double nasolabial flap demonstrated 100% survival. Both nasal airway and the final appearance showed functionally and cosmetically remarkable results. The nasolabial angle projected better than the preoperative measurement. The patient was satisfied. The patient was followed up until a year after surgery. The double nasolabial flaps combined with costal cartilage graft is one of the best surgical options to obtain astonishing columellar reconstruction.

Nasal columella reconstruction - A comprehensive review of the current techniques

The nasal columella is often described as being one of the most difficult nasal subunits to reconstruct. There are a wide range of indications for columella reconstruction, with defects resulting from ischaemic injuries, trauma, tumour resection, vascular malformations and congenital agenesis/dysgenesis of nasal anatomy. There is a variety of columella reconstruction techniques reported in the literature, giving reconstructive surgeons options when approaching different columella defects. Each technique has surgical pearls and pitfalls as well as advantages and disadvantages. This review aims to give reconstructive surgeons a comprehensive review of currently used columella reconstruction techniques.

Microsurgical reconstruction of the isolated columellar defect with a prelaminated radial forearm free flap. A case report and a review of the literature

The columella is one of the smallest subunits of the nose, but the loss of this structure has important aesthetic and structural implications. Few papers in literature present microsurgical techniques for the reconstruction of an isolated columellar defect. This report describes the use of a prelaminated radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for the reconstruction of an isolated columellar defect and reviews the current literature. A 45-year-old woman presented to our Unit with a history of palate squamous cell carcinoma and severe nasal deformity with an almost complete loss of the columella. A prelaminated RFFF with the fifth rib was used for a two-staged reconstruction of the isolated columellar defect. The radial pedicle was anastomosed to the facial vessels and the postoperative course was uneventful. Complete survival of the flap was achieved and, 10 months postoperatively, the patient had bilateral nasal patency, with an increased tip projection and a good aesthetic result. A prelaminated RFFF can be considered a valuable reconstructive option in cases of a large composite defect of the columella and limited availability of adjacent tissues.

More than just the helix: A series of free flaps from the ear

AIM

We herein present our experience using free flaps harvested from the ear region in facial, nasal and intraoral reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2011 and 2016, 19 patients underwent reconstruction using 20 free flaps from the ear region based on the superficial temporal vessels. There were 10 males and 9 females with a mean age of 57 years. Defect aetiology consisted of post-tumour ablation (n = 15), trauma (n = 2) and burn scar (n = 2). Defect location involved the nose (n = 13), floor of mouth (n = 3), tongue (n = 1), lower eyelid (n = 1), and lower lip (n = 1).

RESULTS

Twelve helical, seven temporal artery posterior auricular skin (TAPAS), and one hemiauricular flap were performed. One patient required venous re-anastomosis but complete flap necrosis eventually occurred. This patient later underwent successful contralateral helix flap reconstruction. Overall flap survival was 95%. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 69 months. A moderate to excellent aesthetic and functional outcome was achieved in all cases, but most (13/19) required later minor refinement surgery.

CONCLUSION

As a versatile source of free flap options, the ear can provide more than just the helix.

Columella reconstruction using a free flap from the first web space of the foot

Nasal columella defects can result in significant cosmetic and functional deformities. If a local flap transfer cannot be performed, columella reconstruction becomes a significant challenge for the surgeon. The columella of a healthy 30-year-old woman whose nose was scarred and contracted because of cocaine abuse, was successfully reconstructed by transferring a microvascular free flap from the first web space of the foot. The reconstructed columella had a satisfactory contour and a good texture, although there was slight, albeit unproblematic, color mismatching.

Resurfacing partial nose defects with a retroauricular skin/cartilage free flap

BACKGROUND

The retroauricular skin has always received much attention by plastic surgeons for use in nose reconstruction because of its rich vascularity. Anatomically, the skin of this area lies hidden behind the ear and is very similar to that of the face. More importantly, the retroauricular skin flap along with the cartilage can be used to repair defective cartilage of the nose. All these reasons make this area an ideal donor site for nose reconstruction. This article presents the surgical procedures for reconstruction of partial nasal defects with the use of retroauricular skin/cartilage free flaps.

METHODS

Based on the anatomy and blood supply of the retroauricular region, a flap was designed and harvested with the retroauricular vessels as its pedicle. This flap was used to repair the partial nose defects in 10 patients, between the years 2002 and 2008. Of these, 4 patients presented with unilateral ala defects; 2 with nasal tip defects; 2 with defects on the nasal tip and bilateral ala; 1 with unilateral ala and tip defect; and 1 with unilateral ala and lateral defect. The size of the defect ranged from 2.5 × 1.5 cm to 4.0 × 3.0 cm. The flap varied between 3.0 × 2.0 cm and 4.5 × 3.5 cm. In all cases, the auricular cartilage of 1.5 × 1.0 cm to 1.0 × 0.5 cm was taken along with the flap. The retroauricular vessels were anastomosed with the facial vessels. The donor site was covered with full-thickness skin graft or local flap.

RESULTS

No flap failure was recorded. Excellent morphologic reconstruction was obtained with these flaps with no sequela at the donor site in terms of form and function. Postoperatively, the blood supply to the flaps was fairly good in 8 cases, although there was vein congestion in 2 cases on the fourth day. However, the postoperative results of the 10 cases were satisfactory after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The retroauricular skin-cartilage free flap is a good choice for partial nasal reconstruction, having the merits of a well-hidden donor site, good color match, and 1-stage operation for cartilage support and nose reconstruction.

[Reconstruction of the columella and the tip of the nose with an island-shaped forehead flap]

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic and postoperative defects of columella and the tip of the nose are difficult to reconstruct. There are several operative methods described in the literature, and many of them are step-by-step procedures with long duration. The aim of this study was to present one-step procedure for reconstruction of the columella and the tip of the nose with island-shaped arterial forehead flap.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year old man was submitted to surgical excision of basocellular skin cancer. After the excision, a defect of the columella and tip of the nose the remained, 3 x 2.5 cm in dimensions, with exposed alar cartilages. During the same operation, the defect was covered with an island-shaped arterial forehead flap. Postoperative one-year course was uneventful, without signs of tumor recurrence after one year, and further surgical corrections were unnecessary.

CONCLUSION

Considering the results of our operative technique, we believe that middle island-shaped forehead flap is suitable for reconstruction of the columella and the tip of the nose, due to the following reasons: safe vascularization of flap, similarity of the transferred tissue with the excised one, the procedure is completed in one step, simple surgical technique and uncomplicated healing of a flap-harvesting site.

Reconstruction of nasal tip and columella

Reconstruction of nasal tip and columella defects is demanding area with a range of reconstructive options, varying in complexity depending on requirements from simple skin grafting to multiple stage reconstruction with regional flaps. A framework is suggested to aid the reader in choice of reconstruction by classifying the defect based on size and the requirements of one to three layer (full thickness) reconstruction.

Levator anguli oris muscle based flaps for nasal reconstruction following resection of nasal skin tumours

Background

surgical excision remains the best tool for management of skin tumors affecting nasal skin, however many surgical techniques have been used for reconstruction of the nasal defects caused by excisional surgery. The aim of this work is the evaluation of the feasibility and outcome of levator anguli oris muscle based flaps.

Methods

Ninety patients of malignant nasal skin tumours were included in this study. Age was ranged from four to 78 years. For small unilateral defects affecting only one side ala nasi, levator anguli oris myocautaneous (LAOMC) flap was used in 45 patients. For unilateral compound loss of skin and mucus membrane, levator anguli oris myocautaneous mucosal (LAOMCM) flap was used in 23 patients. Very large defects; bilateral either LAOMC or LAOMCM flaps combined with forehead glabellar flaps were used to reconstruct the defect in 22 patients.

Results

Wound dehiscence was the commonest complication. Minor complications, in the form of haematoma and minor flap loss were managed conservatively. Partial flap loss was encountered in 6 patients with relatively larger tumours or diabetic co-morbidity, three of whom were required operative re-intervention in the form of debridement and flap refashioning, while total flap loss was not occurred at all.

Conclusions

Immediate nasal reconstruction for nasal skin and mucosal tumours with levator anguli oris muscle based flaps (LAOMC, LAOMCM) is feasible and spares the patient the psychic trauma due to organ loss.

Aesthetic management of the ear as a donor site

BACKGROUND

The ear is a frequently used donor site for facial reconstruction. It serves as an ideal source for skin, cartilage, and composite grafts because of its color and texture match. However, because of the prominent location of the ears, the prevention of donor-site problems such as scarring and resultant asymmetries is equally important in creating an overall aesthetic facial reconstruction. The purpose of this review was to describe surgical techniques of minimizing ear donor-site morbidity as a consequence of harvesting of composite chondrocutaneous grafts.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients who underwent nasal reconstruction performed by the senior surgeon (D.J.S.) between 1987 and 2003, to identify those patients in whom a composite chondrocutaneous auricular graft was used. Photographs, surgical technique, and aesthetic outcomes were reviewed for those patients identified as having donor auricular composite grafts.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty-seven nasal reconstructions were performed. Of the 357 reconstructions, 67 involved harvest of preauricular or postauricular full-thickness skin graft, and 79 involved use of auricular cartilage. Sixteen of the 79 involved harvesting of auricular composite grafts. For these 16 patients, defect size, donor site, and closure of donor site are described and indications for certain techniques are delineated.

CONCLUSIONS

The harvest of composite grafts is challenging in technical design and in closure of the defect. In this patient series, the donor defects were closed primarily in one of six ways, depending on the size of the cartilage and skin graft required. These techniques allowed adequate harvest of donor tissue while preserving the aesthetics of the ear.

Reconstruction of the distal third of the nose with composite ear-helix free flap

Full-thickness defects of the nose result in severe esthetic and functional problems. Regardless of the etiology of such defects, the complexity of the reconstruction process of full-thickness defects of this region is not correlated with the size of the defect. Local flaps are frequently used for reconstruction but often yielding facial scarring and bulky alae. Composite helical grafts are used for relatively small defects but defects of more than 2.0 cm in diameter require vascularized tissue transfer. Composite free flap from the root of the auricular helix has been used to reconstruct an anatomically diverse set of defects of the distal third of the nose, with satisfactory success in our series of 6 patients.

Subnasale flap for correction of columellar deformity

BACKGROUND

Columellar defects or deformities are challenging problems to correct. Many different techniques have been described, yet none are ideal, especially for the purpose of aesthetic improvement.

METHODS

Local flaps are designed from the subnasale region extending into the nasal floor. It is a one-stage procedure that transfers well-matched skin to the columella. Flaps are rotated medially to improve various types of columellar deformities. The flap was used in 20 cases for defective, narrow, and deviated columella.

RESULTS

Results in all of the cases were satisfactory, with minimal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure is relatively simple, and primary closure of the donor site is possible without causing external deformity. The subnasale flap can be fashioned without a visible donor-site scar. It is indicated for partial to total reconstruction of columellar defects, aesthetic improvement of narrow columella, and correction of deviated columella.

Reconstruction of the columella with bilateral nostril sill flaps

The treatment of total columellar defects is very difficult, and there is not any first choice in reconstruction of these defects. Various techniques have been reported for this purpose. Each technique has its own drawbacks, and few can be performed in one stage. We report a pediatric patient with a defect involving the entire columella. Reconstruction of the defect was accomplished with laterally based bilateral nostril sill flaps. An acceptable cosmetic result was obtained. This method can be done as a single-stage operation with an excellent color and texture match. We think that this method leads to good aesthetic results, and should be considered for total columellar reconstruction.

Our algorithm for nasal reconstruction

Nasal reconstruction is always challenging for plastic surgeons. Its midfacial localisation and the relationship between convexities and concavities of nasal subunits make impossible to hide any sort of deformity without a proper reconstruction. Nasal tissue defects can be caused by tumor removal, trauma or by any other insult to the nasal pyramid, like cocaine abuse, developing an irreversible sequela. Due to the special characteristics of the nasal pyramid surface, the removal of the lesion or the debridement must be performed according to nasal subunits as introduced by Burget. Afterwards, the reconstructive technique or a combination of them must be selected according to the size and the localisation of the defect created, and tissue availability to fulfil the procedure. An anatomical reconstruction must be completed as far as possible, trying to restore the nasal lining, the osteocartilaginous framework and the skin cover. In our department, 35 patients were operated on between 2000 and 2002: three bilobed flaps, five nasolabial flaps, two V-Y advancement flaps from the sidewall, three dorsonasal flaps modified by Ohsumi, 19 paramedian forehead flaps, three cheek advancement flaps, three costocondral grafts, two full-thickness skin grafts and two auricular helix free flaps for alar reconstruction. All flaps but one free flap survived with no postoperative complications. After 12-24 months of follow-up, all reconstructions remained stable from cosmetic and functional point of view. Our aim is to present our choice for nasal reconstruction according to the size and localization of the defect, and donor tissue availability.

Reconstruction necessitated by severe hypoplasia or a columella defect

In reconstruction necessitated by severe hypoplasia or a columella defect, the surgeon must consider various factors in each case, such as the characteristic columellar shape, color match, texture, patient age, original disease, and surrounding scars. In these cases, reconstruction of both the cartilaginous strut and the overlying skin is necessary and important to obtain good results. The authors report three cases of reconstruction of the columella with satisfactory results. Case 1 involved a 6-year-old girl with complete bilateral cleft lip and severe hypoplasia of the premaxilla and prolabium. Columellar reconstruction was performed with small triangular flaps at the columella base, together with a rib chondral graft for cartilaginous support. Case 2 involved a 12-year-old girl with a complete bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. Columellar reconstruction was performed with small triangular flaps at the columella base, together with bilateral conchal cartilage grafts. Case 3 involved a 17-year-old boy with a right complete cleft lip and columellar defect caused by previous infection after secondary cheiloplasty. Columellar reconstruction was performed using a left nasal vestibular flap and septal cartilage grafting, together with a bilateral conchal cartilage graft beneath the flap. The authors consider the unilateral nasal vestibular flap to be very useful in carefully selected unilateral cleft cases.

Reconstruction of congenital absent columella

A case of congenital absence of the nasal columella accompanying a facial hemangioma is presented. The nose is an important aesthetic unit of the face, and its projection is mainly supported by the columella. The etiology of the absent columella is unclear, and the clinical feature is rare. Reconstruction of the columella remains a challenging problem in plastic surgery, and numerous techniques have been described. The authors discuss several techniques aimed at the correction of the problem and describe a method of reconstruction of the absent nasal columella that was used in the case reported.

Free temporoparietal fascial flaps and full-thickness skin grafts in aesthetic restoration of the nose

Free tissue transfers have been rapidly replacing distant flaps for use in nasal reconstruction. The temporoparietal fascial flap is a thin, broad, pliable, and well-vascularized flap. It can be used to drape over the cartilaginous and bony framework of the nasal skeleton and nourish the underlying primary cartilage grafts as well as the overlying full-thickness skin graft. The thin contour of the flap is aesthetically superior to thicker skin flaps and eliminates the need for secondary defatting or touch-up procedures. A large, single sheet of full-thickness skin graft, harvested from the supraclavicular region, can be applied over the fascial flap in the same session and provide a quite acceptable color match. The authors present a case whose alar margins and atrophic nasal skin were restored in one session by primary conchal cartilage grafts, a free temporoparietal fascial flap, and a full-thickness supraclavicular skin graft.