Tubed pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps for cervical esophageal replacement

Tubed myocutaneous pectoralis major flap: A rescue option in esophagus reconstruction

This article presents a complex case of total pharyngoesophageal defect reconstruction in a patient with recurrent supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. After failed attempts with free microsurgical techniques due to complications, a tubed myocutaneous pectoralis major flap was successfully employed. The procedure aimed to achieve alimentary continuity, speech, and swallowing functionality. Despite initial challenges and concerns about stenosis, the reconstruction of a total pharyngolarygectomy defect resulted in a good functional outcome, although minor deficits in neck mobility and aesthetic donor zone deformities were noted. The case highlights the broad armamentarium of reconstruction techniques that plastic and aesthetic surgery teams must be trained, namely the myocutaneous pectoralis major flap which in selected cases can be the end solution.

Salvage reconstruction of the oesophagus: a retrospective study of 15 cases

Salvage reconstruction of the oesophagus is still considered a challenging procedure for all head and neck surgeons. The risk of postoperative infection and delayed wound healing is high because of thick scar formation and persistent inflammation. Furthermore, recipient vessels for free tissue transfer or vascular supercharge are not always available. Alimentary tract reconstruction with skin or musculocutaneous flap may be necessary, but this method is susceptible to fistula formation.[Nakatsuka T, Harii K, Asato H, et al. Comparative evaluation in pharyngo-oesophageal reconstruction: radial forearm flap compared with jejunal flap. A 10-year experience. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg 1998; 32: 307-10] In the past 10 years, we have experienced 15 cases of salvage reconstruction of the oesophagus after prior cancer treatment or aorto-oesophageal fistula; the cervical oesophagus was reconstructed in five cases and the cervico-thoracic oesophagus in 10. In four cases of cervical oesophagus and six of cervico-thoracic oesophagus we performed free jejunal transfer including two long segment transfers with double vascular pedicle. The cervico-thoracic oesophagus was also reconstructed with pedicled alimentary tract transfer (colon interposition or jejunal pull-up) with vascular supercharge in four cases. In one case, cervical oesophageal defect was reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. We also used a deltopectoral flap to cover the skin defect in three cases. In three cases, a second salvage operation was necessary because of flap necrosis that was caused by unreliable recipient vessels resulting from scar formation and persistent inflammation. Successful restoration of the oesophagus and oral alimentation was achieved in 11 cases. From this study, we concluded that free jejunal transfer is a useful procedure for salvage reconstruction of the oesophagus, particularly for cervical oesophagus or short oesophageal defects. Nonetheless, surgeons should know the indications and limitations of this procedure thoroughly and always be ready to choose other reconstructive options if necessary.

Use of a free jejunal graft for oesophageal reconstruction following perforation after cervical spine surgery: case report and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN

: Single-subject (male, 16 years of age) case.

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate a suitable method for oesophageal repair after perforation as a complication of anterior spinal fusion in an individual with quadriplegia, and to review the literature on oesophageal perforation and repair.

SETTING

University hospital, large trauma centre with departments for spinal injuries and reconstructive surgery in Germany.

METHODS

A free jejunal graft used for oesophageal reconstruction in a post-traumatic situation after a complicated treatment course in a C6 quadriplegic patient.

RESULTS

A protuberant loose screw of the titanium plate after anterior spinal fusion perforated the oesophagus. Imbricating sutures and a fascia lata patch were insufficient to repair the oesophageal leakage. An 8 cm long segment of the cervical oesophagus including a fistula had to be excised, and a free microsurgical jejunal flap was used for restitution of continuity. The jejunal vessels were connected to the superior thyroid artery and external jugular vein. At 1 week after the oesophageal repair, an enteral contrast study showed a small amount of contrast medium leaking at the oesophago-pharyngeal anastomosis. A percutaneous gastric tube was inserted, and oral feeding was limited to tea and still water for 4 weeks. The further course was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

Oesophageal perforation is a rare but recognized complication after cervical spine surgery, which can mostly be managed using secondary suture techniques. The free jejunal flap is a reliable and innovative tool in the particularly complex situation of a segmental oesophageal loss. It should be considered in similar cases to reconstruct oesophageal continuity or to treat stricture and fistula formations.

Laryngopharyngectomy with reconstruction

A wide range of reconstructive options allows the ablative surgeon to resect tumors completely with wide margins. Wide resection is especially important because of the rich lymphatic drainage and submucosal spread seen with carcinomas in the hypopharyngeal area. Postoperative stenosis can be a difficult, recurring problem if the neopharynx does not have enough tissue incorporated into the closure. Therefore, most laryngopharyngectomy procedures benefit from the addition of transposed tissue, either pedicled or using free tissue transfer microvascular techniques. Often the location of the tumor is a major factor in determining which reconstruction is best for the patient. Minimizing the donor-site morbidity must be carefully considered, also.

Tubed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps for thoracic esophageal replacement: an experimental study

Tubed musculocutaneous flap has never been used to replace a circumferential defect of the thoracic esophagus in adults or children. The aim of this study was to examine whether a tubed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (TLDMF) can be used to repair a long gap defect of the thoracic esophagus. In 14 puppies with an average weight of 4.9 kg, part of the esophagus (two vertebrae in length) was excised through a right thoracotomy. A latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was introduced into the thoracic cavity. The cutaneous layer was rolled into a tube and interposed in the space of the excised esophagus. The muscle layer was wrapped around the anastomosis. Three puppies died of operative complications, such as a minor anastomotic leakage and postoperative bleeding. One died of an unknown cause. Ten puppies were studied postoperatively with a barium meal, endoscopic examination, and autopsy. The management of these puppies over 4 months is described. It proved possible to replace a long gap thoracic esophageal defect with a TLDMF, which was safe, easy to be transferred, and obviated a laparotomy. Thus, this technique might offer an alternative method to bridge a long gap in patients with esophageal atresia or severe stenosis.

Pectoralis myocutaneous flap for replacement of cervical esophagus

The authors report experience with 10 cases of pharyngoesophageal replacement with tubed pectoralis major myocutaneous (PM) flap. Six patients had primary reconstruction following total pharyngolaryngectomy for cancer; the other 4 had severe pharyngoesophageal stenosis requiring resection and replacement following previous laryngectomy. Seven of the patients were octogenarians, 6 had been irradiated previously, and all were severely debilitated. Two patients died postoperatively of cardiac disease. The remaining eight regained satisfactory with lasting deglutition. Four fistulae healed spontaneously, and one postoperative stenosis responded to a single dilitation. The interval to swallowing was 10-21 days in nonirradiated patients and 3-13 weeks in irradiated patients. There was one local recurrence 6 months after resection; the other patients remained free of disease. The authors conclude that the tubed PM flap is a reliable technique for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction that is particularly useful in elderly and debilitated patients.

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction. Analysis of complications

Sixty-seven patients underwent 73 pectoralis major myocutaneous flap procedures for the immediate reconstruction of defects after resection of head and neck cancers. Thirty-six patients experienced a total of 50 complications for an overall complication rate of 54 percent. There were 3 instances of total flap necrosis, 9 of partial flap necrosis, 12 orocutaneous fistulas, 9 suture line separations, 8 neck wound complications, 1 donor site complication, and 8 mandibular replacement complications. Most complications were minor and did not require a second procedure for correction; however, 36 percent did require a second operation. Eight of 10 patients in whom a metal appliance was placed to restore mandibular continuity required the removal of that appliance due to either flap necrosis, fistula formation, or exposure. Based on our experience, we conclude that attention to flap design, operative technique, and post-operative management were useful in reducing the incidence of complications. We also conclude that a metal appliance was an unsatisfactory means of restoring mandibular continuity when utilized beneath a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Although the overall incidence of complications was high, the actual incidence of flaps failing to accomplish their intended purpose and requiring secondary repair was acceptable. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was reliable in the reconstruction of defects in the head and neck region.