Reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the head and neck: radial forearm flap or anterolateral thigh flap?

Is Supraclavicular Artery Island flap (SAI) a viable alternative to Free Tissue Transfer (FTT) in head and neck reconstruction? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of Supraclavicular Artery Island (SAI) Flap versus Free Tissue Transfer for head and neck reconstruction.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus and Cochrane Library database according to the PRISMA guidelines. Only comparative studies between the two techniques were included. Random-effects model meta-analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Eight studies, reporting a total of 402 patients and same number of flaps, 165 of which underwent reconstruction using supraclavicular artery island flap and 237 reconstructed with free tissue transfer were identified. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding major complications, total flap necrosis, partial flap necrosis, post operative fistula formation, donor site dehiscence, recipient site dehiscence and total flap area.

CONCLUSION

Supraclavicular artery island flap and free tissue transfer seem to be comparable when used in head and neck reconstruction.

Preoperative anemia: Predictor of free flap reconstruction complications in head and neck cancer

Free flap reconstruction has been the mainstay among reconstruction surgeries for head and neck cancer. Intraoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels were both possible risk factors of flap failure and had been discussed widely. However, few investigations of preoperative Hb were seen in the previous study with its effect to flap condition remain uncertain and no conclusions in the literature. Patients who underwent free flap reconstruction after head and neck surgery in our institution between May 2014 and May 2019 were enrolled. The postoperative flap condition was observed carefully, and re-exploration was performed if necessary. We then retrospectively collected patient data with several intraoperative and postoperative indices. A total of 598 patients were enrolled in our study. The total major flap complication rate was 10.6%, with an overall success rate of 89.4%. They were predominantly male (95%), and most of them underwent free flap reconstruction for the first time (91%). A total of 81 (13%) patients received radiotherapy before reconstruction. Among all factors, the preoperative Hb level and free flap type showed significance in univariate and multivariate analyses. A previous history of radiotherapy, body mass index, nutrition status, or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus showed no significant results in either univariate or multivariate analysis. Our study showed that a lower preoperative Hb level affects free flap survival. Meanwhile, preoperative radiotherapy history has no significant influence in either univariate or multivariate analysis.

The Role of Split Anterolateral Thigh Free Flaps in Reconstructive Surgery: a Systematic Review and Case Report

Radical tumor ablation or severe trauma can result in challenging tissue defects. The split anterolateral thigh free flap has been promoted as an ideal option for complex defects. We aimed to evaluate whether this flap could be performed without major morbidity. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines was conducted to assess this hypothesis. An illustrative case about pharyngeal reconstruction is discussed, and the role of free split anterolateral thigh free flaps in modern reconstructive surgery is evaluated. The systematic search of literature yielded 221 studies with 7 articles about free anterolateral thigh flaps fully split in two separate flaps based on one pedicle. Favorable outcomes in a total of 31 patients were described. Tissue defects were mainly located at extremities, chest wall, lip, and cheek. A low complication incidence was reported in all studies, in terms of flap loss, donor site morbidity, and general wound healing problems. The flap was utilized for pharyngeal reconstruction and simultaneous neck resurfacing, which allowed a more convenient way of flap monitoring in the present case. Being technically a rather demanding flap variant, splitting the anterolateral thigh free flap has still become an accepted technique among microsurgeons. Currently, literature suggests that it can be performed without major complications for reconstructing extremities and the head and neck area. Rearrangement of the flap units in pharyngeal reconstruction increases the flap’s versatility as it allows neck resurfacing and external monitoring of buried inaccessible flaps.

Microsurgical Techniques and Postoperative Outcomes After Total and Subtotal Nasal Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Multiple microsurgical techniques for nasal reconstruction have been described in the literature. Given the gaps in the literature regarding evidence-based reviews for total and subtotal nasal reconstruction using microsurgical techniques, the purpose of this study was to provide a thorough presentation of the most popular microvascular techniques and their outcomes (functional and aesthetic) for total or subtotal nasal defects.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library on free flap techniques for restoration of nasectomy defects. The keywords were "nasal reconstruction," "nose," "nasectomy," "rhinectomy," and "microvascular." Inclusion criteria for analysis in the study were the largest clinical case series published in English within the past 15 years with more than 8 patients.Studies were analyzed for patient demographics, etiology of nasal loss, surgical approaches to reconstruction, outcomes, and complications. The current study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 302 results. Eleven articles with a total of 232 patients met the inclusion criteria. The radial (n = 85) and ulnar forearm flaps (n = 20), auricular helical rim (n = 87), and anterolateral thigh flap (n = 30) were the most commonly reported free flaps in nasal reconstruction. The main etiologic factors were malignancy and trauma. The most common complication was partial flap necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The auricular helical and radial forearm flaps represent the most used free flaps for total and/or subtotal nasal defects with satisfactory patient outcomes.

Comparison of Donor Site Morbidity Between Anterolateral Thigh and Radial Forearm Free Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

This meta-analysis aimed to provide an up-to-date comparison of donor site morbidity (DSM) between patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with Anterolateral thigh (ALT) and radial forearm free (RFF) flaps. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies that compared DSM between ALT and RFF patients. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of each DSM between ALT and RFF patients was estimated using a random- or fixed-effect model depending on the degree of interstudy heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed if substantial heterogeneity was detected. Eighteen cohort studies with 1,018 patients (535 ALT and 483 RFF patients) were included. Compared with RFF, ALT were associated with lower risks of wound dehiscence (OR = 0.2, 95%CI: 0.10-0.42, P < 0.01), strength impairment (OR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.07-0.47, P < 0.01), and movement impairment (OR = 0.19, 95%CI:0.07-0.49, P < 0.01). A subgroup analysis showed that ALT were associated with a lower risk of donor site numbness among patients undergoing tongue reconstruction (OR = 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01-0.25, P < 0.01), but not among all patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction. The pooled ORs of other DSMs demonstrated no significant difference between ALT and RFF patients. ALT are superior to RFF for head and neck reconstruction in terms of donor site wound dehiscence, strength impairment, movement impairment, and for tongue reconstruction specifically in terms of donor site numbness. No significant differences in the incidence of donor site hematoma/seroma, infection, or dissatisfaction with donor site appearance were identified between ALT and RFF patients.

Indication for management of oropharyngocutaneous fistulas after head and neck reconstruction using a "stick-shaped platysma flap" technique

The main strength of the stick-shaped platysma flap technique is it provides adequate tissue volume, while being comparatively simple to perform. It is a highly efficient and straightforward method to close intractable fistulas with minimal morbidity.

Head and neck reconstruction using free flaps: a 30-year medical record review

Background

The free flap surgical method is useful for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. This study retrospectively analyzed the results of head and neck reconstructions using various types of free flaps over the past 30 years.

Methods

Between 1989 and 2018, a total of 866 free flap procedures were performed on 859 patients with head and neck defects, including 7 double free flaps. The causes of vascular crisis and salvage rate were analyzed, and the total flap survival rate calculated among these patients. Additionally, the survival and complication rates for each flap type were compared.

Results

The 866 cases included 557 radial forearm flaps, 200 anterolateral thigh flaps, 39 fibular osteocutaneous flaps, and 70 of various other flaps. The incidence of the vascular crisis was 5.1%; its most common cause was venous thrombosis (52.3%). Salvage surgery was successful in 52.3% of patients, and the total flap survival rate was 97.6%. The success rate of the radial forearm flap was higher than of the anterolateral flap (p<0.01), and the primary sites of malignancy were the tongue, tonsils, and hypopharynx, respectively.

Conclusion

The free flap technique is the most reliable method for head and neck reconstruction; however, the radial forearm free flap showed the highest success rate (98.9%). In patients with malignancy, flap failure was more common in the anterolateral thigh (5.5%) and fibular (5.1%) flaps.

Comparison of the surgical outcomes of free flap reconstruction for primary and recurrent head and neck cancers: a case-controlled propensity score-matched study of 1,791 free flap reconstructions

This study was designed to compare the outcome and analyze the operation-related risk factors in free flap reconstruction for patients with primary and recurrent head and neck cancers. A 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis of the microsurgery registry database of the hospital. The primary outcome of the free flap reconstruction had a higher failure rate in the recurrent group than the primary group (5.1% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.037). Among the 345 pairs in the matched study population, there were no significant differences between the primary and recurrent groups regarding the rate of total flap loss (3.5% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.27) and secondary outcomes. This study revealed that free flap reconstruction had a higher failure rate in the recurrent group than the primary group, but such a difference may be attributed by the different patient characteristics.

Peroneal flap: How to harvest and clinical appraisal for head and neck reconstruction

BACKGROUND

A peroneal flap, the boneless version of fibula flap, is considered as the equivalent of radial forearm flap of the lower leg. Because it is thinner than an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, the use of a peroneal flap is a viable option for the repair of soft tissue defects when a thin flap could bring about better functional and cosmetic outcomes. In this article, we describe the details of peroneal flap harvest and present our experience with the use of peroneal flaps for head and neck reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1996 and 2017, a total of 265 peroneal flaps were used to reconstruct a variety of head and neck defects. With the same vascular anatomy and slight modifications to the harvesting technique of a fibula flap, a peroneal flap can be harvested within 1-2 h. All medical records were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A peroneal flap can be harvested as different types of chimeric flaps to fit a variety of head and neck defects. The peroneal flap failure rate was 3.4% and the postoperative complication rate was 12.8%.

CONCLUSION

A peroneal flap might be an alternative option for the reconstruction of head and neck defects.

Therapeutic effects of anterolateral thigh flap transfer in repairing oral and maxillofacial defects after ablative surgery of neoplasms

BACKGROUND

To investigate the therapeutic effects of anterolateral thigh flap transfer in repairing oral and maxillofacial defects after ablative surgery of neoplasms and to discuss perioperative psychological care.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients who received oral and maxillofacial surgery for tumor resection in Nanfang Hospital from October 2014 to August 2016 were selected. Patients were randomly divided into control group and observation group, 40 patients in each group. Patients in control group received forearm flap transfer, while patients in observation group were treated with anterolateral thigh flap transfer.

RESULTS

The survival rate of flap, food intake ability, quality of life and incidence of complication were compared between groups. There was no significant difference in survival rate of the flaps between two groups (P>0.05). No significant difference in food intake was found between groups at 3 months after operation (P>0.05). The UW-QOL scores of the two groups at 1 year after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05), and no significant differences in UW-QOL scores were found between two groups at 1 year after operation (P>0.05). Incidence of temporary dysfunction, hyperplastic scar, permanent dysfunction, pigmentation and pruritus was significantly lower in observation group than in control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of necrosis between two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that anterolateral thigh flap transfer has similar therapeutic effects to those of forearm flap transfer in repairing oral and maxillofacial defects after ablative surgery of neoplasms and improving food intake and quality of life. But Anterolateral thigh flap transfer can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, so this treatment should be popularized.

An algorithm to improve outcomes of radial forearm flap donor site

Abstarct Background: Due to the high rate of donor site complications the Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) has lost ground in favor of the Antero-lateral tight flap (ALT) and other flaps. We have designed a reconstruction algorithm for reconstruction of its donor site. The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the impact of this algorithm on RFF donor site complication rates.

METHODS

The authors analyzed retrospectively 31 patients who underwent free radial forearm flap reconstruction between November 2009 and May 2013. Donor site complications were compared with data from patients treated before introdutction of the algorithm. Within the group were compared patients in which the flap was harvested suprafascial with those in which the flap was harvested as subfascial.

RESULTS

Before application of the algorithm, there was a 23.3% complication rate at the RFF donor site, in our experience. After introduction of the algorithm, complication rate has dropped to 3.2%, consisting in a partial skin graft necrosis treated by local wound-care and healed without further intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of the algorithm described has led to a significant reduction in RFF donor site complication rates. This demonstrates that if flap donor sites are analyzed and tailor treated in the same way as primary defects are, instead of being given secondary importance and just grafted, outcomes improve.

Microdissected thin anterolateral thigh perforator flaps with multiple perforators: A series of case reports

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed to explore the effect of microdissected thin anterolateral thigh (MTALT) perforator flap with multiple perforators on patients with complex defects on the hand, elbow, heel, or knee.

METHODS

From March 2012 to February 2013, 5 patients with complex defects on the hand, elbow, heel, or knee were included. During the flap preparation, 2 to 3 perforators penetrating the fascia of the anterolateral femoral area were initially detected, and the deep fascia was incised. The superficial fascia layer of the flap and the deep adipose were then dissected, and removed after verifying the distribution of the blood vessels using an operating microscope. The whole flap was then elevated, and transposed to the recipient areas for microsurgical reparation.

RESULTS

Two cases of post-burn scar contracture and 3 cases of traumatic tissue defects were successfully reconstructed with these multiple-perforator MTALT flaps. No complication was reported, and secondary operative procedure was not needed in any patient in the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

MTALT perforator flap with multiple perforators is safe and reliable for patients with complex defects on the hand, elbow, heel, or knee.

A Novel Application of Double-Paddle Peroneal Chimeric Flap as External Sentinel Monitor in Hypopharyngeal Reconstruction

OBJECTIVES

Monitoring the viability of buried free flaps in hypopharyngeal reconstruction is difficult. Various methods have been proposed to monitor these buried flaps, but limitations remain.

METHOD

We present a method of using double-paddle chimeric peroneal flaps that permanently externalizes a flap skin paddle as a monitoring paddle in hypopharyngeal reconstructions. This study was performed in a medical center in southern Taiwan; between 2013 and 2015, 10 patients underwent double-paddle chimeric peroneal flap reconstruction in advanced stages of hypopharyngeal cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from these surgeries, searching for either short-term postoperative complications or long-term follow-up morbidity and researched relevant articles for comparisons with other monitoring methods.

RESULTS

None of the 10 flaps underwent total loss. The rate of stenosis and that of fistula formation was 10%. The average postoperative hospital stay was 39 days. Six of 10 patients were able to resume at least a soft diet after reconstruction, and none of the patients experienced significant complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The peroneal flap is a useful flap because it is thin and pliable, has minimal donor site morbidity in patients without peripheral vascular disease, and has the potential of multiple skin paddles so that one skin paddle can be used for monitoring the buried flap. Using this method, direct clinical monitoring is feasible, and early detection of vascular complications is possible. Furthermore, the drawbacks of using a monitoring paddle produced by a deepithelialized bridge can be avoided.

Surgery for extra-articular trismus: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was to identify operations that are used to improve mouth opening in patients with extra-articular trismus (caused by cancer and its treatment, oral submucous fibrosis, or noma) and to find out if they work. We searched the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, and the Cochrane collaboration, and then systematically selected papers before we assessed their quality, extracted the data, and did a meta-analysis. We analysed 32 studies that included 651 patients, the median (IQR) size of which was 11 (7-26). The quality of the methods used and of reporting were relatively low. Median (IQR) duration of follow-up was 12 (8-22) months. Operations resulted in a weighted mean (SD) increase in mouth opening of 19.3 (6.3) mm. None of the operations was better than the others for the improvement of mouth opening. We conclude that operations can improve mouth opening in extra-articular trismus, but the evidence is of moderate quality and there is a need for further research.

Treatment of a mastoid defect by free anterolateral thigh flap

INTRODUCTION

Free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap constitutes an alternative to latissimus dorsi and radial forearm flaps for head and neck reconstruction. The authors report a case of mastoid reconstruction in a patient with multi-operated cholesteatoma associated with tubal dysfunction.

CASE REPORT

This patient presented a fistula of the lateral semicircular canal and invagination of retroauricular soft tissues responsible for non-compensated almost complete areflexia with anacusis. She did not present any signs of cholesteatoma recurrence, but chronic inflammation of the mastoidectomy cavity. The head and neck procedure consisted of translabyrinthine labyrinthectomy: resection of the atrophic retroauricular skin, resection of the vestibular neurosensory tissue and obliteration of the mastoidectomy cavity. An ALT flap measuring 5×5 cm, anastomosed to the superior thyroid artery and facial vein, was used to cover the defect. Careful defatting of the flap allowed filling of the defect, while providing a sufficient quantity of appropriate tissue. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was considerably improved. The only donor site sequelae consisted of a thin linear scar.

CONCLUSION

The free anterolateral thigh flap, a reliable, polyvalent flap that can be shaped as needed and which is associated with minimal donor site morbidity, constitutes a good alternative for head and neck reconstruction.

Choice of flap affects fistula rate after salvage laryngopharyngectomy

Due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with pharyngocutaneous fistula in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction following cancer resection, the purpose of this retrospective study is to examine the selection of tubed skin flaps that impact anastomotic integrity. The flaps evaluated included radial forearm flap versus anterolateral thigh flap, and fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap versus chimeric anterolateral thigh flap. The outcome of interest is the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula. The radial forearm group had a significantly higher rate of fistula than the anterolateral thigh group (56.6% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.03). No significant difference in the incidence of fistula was demonstrated between fasciocutaneous and chimeric anterolateral thigh flap (36.8% vs. 25%, p = 0.51). The anastomotic integrity in pharyngoesopharyngeal reconstruction is affected by choice of skin flaps. Anterolateral thigh flap appears to be a viable option for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. The more technical demand of the anterolateral thigh flap must be weighed against an easily harvested radial forearm flap.

Outcomes following pharyngolaryngectomy with fasciocutaneous free flap reconstruction and salivary bypass tube

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Reconstruction of the pharyngoesophageal defects is one of the most challenging for head and neck surgeons. We evaluated our experience in the hypopharyngeal reconstruction using a fasciocutaneous free flap in conjunction with a Montgomery salivary bypass tube (MSBT).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

The charts of 55 patients who had undergone hypopharynx reconstruction using either a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) (24) or an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap (31) with MSBT were reviewed. There were 40 circumferential and 15 near-circumferential defects. Outcomes analyzed included fistula and stricture rates and swallowing function.

RESULTS

Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 9% of patients (16% using RFFF and 3% using ALT), and strictures occurred in 5% (8% using RFFF and 3% using ALT). Of patients reconstructed with this technique, 95% were able to resume oral alimentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of fasciocutaneous free flaps in conjunction with the MSBT is a useful tool for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction.