The free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in head and neck reconstruction

Systematic review of the free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for head and neck reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap has gained interest as a option for reconstruction of head and neck defects while minimizing donor site morbidity as compared to traditional workhorse flaps. The primary aim of this systematic review is to assess the postoperative outcomes and efficacy of this flap.

METHODS

Several databases were screened for relevant citations. The quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated using the MINORS scoring system.

RESULTS

Twenty articles containing 168 patients undergoing at least one TDAP flap reconstruction met the inclusion criteria. There were no incidences of total flap failure and only 10 incidences of partial flap failure (5.95 %). Flap complications and donor site morbidity was low. The average MINORS score of the studies suggested a moderately high amount of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on limited quality evidence, this review suggests that TDAP flap is a safe and feasible option for head and neck reconstruction with comparable success rates as other commonly used flaps, with low complication rate and donor site morbidity. Further large-scale studies are warranted.

Free Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction: An Indian Experience

Background  We describe our experience with use of free thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap for head and neck (H&N) cancer reconstruction, with respect to the patient and disease profile, suitable defect characteristics, the reconstructive technique, and complications. Methods  Consecutive patients ( N  = 26) undergoing free TDAP flap for H&N onco-reconstruction, in a single center, were included from January 2015 to December 2018 and the data were analyzed. Results  Perforator(s) were reliably predicted preoperatively, using handheld Doppler. Lateral position was comfortable for the harvest. Twenty flaps were harvested on a single perforator, more commonly musculocutaneous ( n  = 16). The thoracodorsal nerve and latissimus dorsi muscle could be preserved, completely in almost all cases. The skin paddle was horizontally ( n  = 5) or vertically ( n  = 21) oriented, both giving a satisfactory scar. The flap was used as a single island or two islands by de-epithelializing intervening skin. Pedicle length was sufficient in all cases. Four cases were explored for suspected venous insufficiency. Two had thrombosis, of which one was salvaged, while the other necrosed. One flap had minimal partial necrosis, which was managed with secondary suturing. The 5-year follow-up showed good oral competence, mouth opening, and cosmetic satisfaction among patients. Conclusion  TDAP flap provides all the advantages of a perforator-based free flap and of back as a donor site with close color match to the face, relatively hairless, and thickness in between the thigh and the forearm. It can be a useful tool to provide an ideal functional and aesthetic outcome, with a hidden donor site and minimal donor site morbidity in selected cases.

[Tongue reconstruction by thoracodorsal perforator flap: A new harvesting technique to reduce morbidity]

The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is increasingly used in head and neck reconstructions. One of its multiple advantages is the low donor site morbidity compared to the other free flaps usually used for this type of surgery, such as the radial forearm free flap and the anterolateral flap of the thigh. However, the current harvesting technique of the thoracodorsal artery free perforator flap needs a vertical incision rising high in the axillary hollow for the dissection of the pedicle, thus impeding optimal discretion of the donor site, especially for women. We describe an original technique to harvest a pure transversal skin paddle on its own perforator, leaving a horizontal scar thoroughly hidden in the bra and preserving the thoracodorsal pedicle. We detail the requirements for this new type of harvesting.

Application of Proximal Lateral Leg Perforator Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstructions

Objective

Analyze the reliability, complications, and donor site morbidity of the proximal lateral leg flap when applied to head and neck reconstruction.

Study Design

Case series and chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care teaching hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Nineteen patients who underwent reconstruction of various head and neck defects with this flap were analyzed. The patient demographics, flap characteristics, method of donor site closure, scars of the donor area, complication rates, as well as functional results at the recipient site were assessed.

Results

The flap size ranged from 4 × 4 cm to 11 × 8 cm. Vascular pedicle length ranged from 5 to 9 cm. The mean distance of the perforator from the fibula head was 9.2 cm. The mean thickness of this flap was 5.5 mm. All the donor wounds were closed primarily. The flap survival rate was 100%.

Conclusion

This flap has the advantages of thinness, short harvesting time, minimal donor site morbidity, and primary closure at the donor site when the flap width is less than 6 cm. This flap may be useful for reconstruction in selected patients with small and thin heads and neck defects.