Search Results (21)

Background/Objectives: Currently, there is a lack of a comprehensive classification system for soft-palate defects that provides synthetic information to guide functional reconstructive treatment. Our awareness, shaped by extensive experience, of the superiority of myomucosal flaps to fasciocutaneous flaps in functional palate reconstruction has driven us to introduce a new defect-based classification system and propose a new algorithm for reconstructing soft-palate defects using buccinator myomucosal flaps. Methods: Soft-palate defects were classified into five classes. A reconstruction algorithm employing buccinator myomucosal flaps—including axial, island, and tunnelized flaps along with their variants as described in previous studies—was utilized. Clinical records, including tumor stage, location, defect size, and details of the myomucosal flap used, were documented. Postoperative speech intelligibility, swallowing, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated. Donor-site morbidity and complications were also assessed. Spearman’s rank correlation was employed to assess relationships between clinical parameters and functional outcomes. Results: Twenty-two patients who had undergone soft-palate resection and subsequent reconstruction were reviewed. Favorable recovery of swallowing and speech was reported in all cases, with a median deglutition score of 6.04 ± 0.85 and no severe velopharyngeal insufficiency observed (speech score: 0.36 ± 0.58). Quality of life assessments indicated satisfactory recovery across physical, social, emotional, and functional parameters. Donor-site morbidity was low (average score: 8.3), with only minor complications observed. Tumor stage showed a significant correlation with speech score (r = 0.44, p = 0.04). Conclusions: The proposed classification introduces a comprehensive, simple, and user-friendly categorization of soft-palate defects, accompanied by a myomucosal reconstructive algorithm designed to guide surgeons through the reconstructive process, aiming to provide optimal functional reconstruction. The study’s small sample size and monocentric design may have limited the detection of meaningful correlations, highlighting the need for larger, multicentric studies with objective methods to validate findings. Full article

Background: A microsurgical auricular flap represents a single-step technique for the reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the ala nasi. To achieve the best surgical outcomes, it is essential to have an exhaustive knowledge of the vascular network to improve the management of the surgical flap. This study aimed to provide an anatomical and surgical guide for a well-designed reconstruction of the ala nasi using a free preauricular flap. Methods: In this study, three fresh-frozen and two formalin-fixed human head specimens injected with red silicone rubber to enhance the arterial facial system were used. The reconstruction of the full-thickness defect of the ala nasi was performed using a microsurgical auricular flap technique, with the dimensions of the ala nasi and the preauricular flap duly noted. In addition, anatomical dissections were conducted, during which the positions and diameters of the main donor and recipient vessels were measured. Results: A presurgical evaluation was performed to define the flap design. A comparison of the shape and mean dimensions of the ala nasi defect (height 9.66 ± 1.40 mm; thickness 3.52 ± 0.53 mm) and the preauricular flap (height 8.50 ± 2.68 mm; thickness 3.92 ± 1.29 mm) indicated that this flap was an optimal option for the reconstruction of the ala nasi. The surgical procedure involved the full-thickness removal of the ala nasi, and the harvesting and insertion of the preauricular flap. The anatomical measurements demonstrated that the facial artery and veins were the optimal recipient vessels, with a diameter of >1 mm (2.08 ± 0.56 and 2.85 ± 0.74 mm), suitable for anastomosis with the superficial temporal artery and vein (1.86 ± 0.58 and 1.66 ± 0.15 mm). In addition, the postsurgical evaluations indicated a slight mean difference in the thickness (1.14 ± 0.65 mm) and height (1.68 ± 1.18 mm) between the ala nasi and helix and a satisfactory VAS score (7.9 ± 0.57). Conclusions: Our surgical and anatomical data provide compelling evidence in favour of free preauricular flap reconstructions of the ala nasi. This procedure allows for the correct choice of recipient vessels and the creation of a well-designed surgical flap. Full article

Background/Objectives: Head and neck free-flap reconstructions are often required to treat tumors or extensive post-traumatic jaw defects. The facial artery is the standard receiving vessel for intraoral microvascular anastomoses. However, its use is associated with several disadvantages, such as lesions of buccal nerve branches of the facial nerve or the parotid duct, as well as variability in course and diameter. The aim of this study is to investigate whether branches of the sublingual artery can be considered as an alternative intraoral supply vessel to the facial artery to avoid these drawbacks. Methods: Twelve formalin-fixed cadaveric heads with 24 sides (n = 24) were dissected. The origin, course, branching pattern, and distribution of the sublingual artery were examined. In addition, the diameters of the branches of the sublingual artery were assessed to identify potential supply vessels for anastomoses. Results: In ten of the twenty-four cases (41.7%), the sublingual artery originated from the lingual artery, and in nine cases (37.5%), the lingual artery originated from the facial artery. The main trunk of the sublingual artery was present in the floor of the mouth in all cases (100%), with a diameter of ≥0.9 mm in vitro (1 mm in vivo). In 15 of the 24 half heads (62.5%), branches of the sublingual artery with ≥0.9 mm were identified in this space, with the main branch being considerably stronger. Conclusions: The large diameter of the sublingual artery in the floor of the mandible suggests that this vessel or its branches could be considered as alternative pedicles for intraoral anastomoses in mandibular microvascular free-flap grafts. Full article

Background: Flap perfusion is a prerequisite for microvascular free flap survival and a parameter routinely used for flap monitoring. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the anastomosis recipient vessel on flap perfusion. Methods: Flap perfusion was retrospectively analyzed in 338 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with microvascular free flaps between 2011 and 2020. The Oxygen-to-see tissue oxygen analysis system measurements for intraoperative and postoperative flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation at 8 and 2 mm tissue depths were compared between arterial anastomosis recipient vessels (external carotid artery [ECA], facial artery [FAA], lingual artery [LIA], and superior thyroid artery [STA]) and venous anastomosis recipient vessels (internal jugular vein [IJV], combination of IJV and IJV branches, IJV branches, and external jugular vein). Results: The postoperative hemoglobin concentration at 2 mm tissue depth differed significantly between arterial anastomosis recipient vessels (ECA, 41.0 arbitrary units [AU]; FAA, 59.0 AU; LIA, 51.5 AU; STA, 59.0 AU; p = 0.029). This difference did not persist in the multivariable testing (p = 0.342). No other differences in flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, or hemoglobin oxygen saturation were observed between the arterial and venous anastomosis recipient vessels (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The arterial and venous recipient vessels used for anastomosis did not influence microvascular free flap perfusion. This underlines the capability of the studied recipient vessels to adequately perfuse free flaps, may explain the observed indifferent flap survival rates between commonly used anastomosis recipient vessels, and implies that the recipient vessel is not a confounding variable for flap monitoring with the Oxygen-to-see tissue oxygen analysis system. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings. Full article

The supratrochlear artery (STA) demonstrates anatomical variability that impacts facial reconstruction with a paramedian forehead flap. STA branching patterns and the distance to the midline have been reported, but the STA pedicle has not been characterized. Our aim was to triangulate the STA pedicle relative to known anatomical landmarks and identify a danger zone to aid surgeons in creating viable tissue flaps. The upper facial region was dissected bilaterally on 38 cadaveric donors. Measurements from the supraorbital neurovascular bundle, orbital rim, and medial canthus to the STA pedicle were collected. Data were tallied and statistically analyzed. Measurement means, range, and standard deviations were calculated; no significant differences were found in the laterality of the measurements (p > 0.05). Statistically significant, sex-based differences were identified for all measurements collected among male and female donors. This study characterizes a surgical danger zone for the STA pedicle specific to a paramedian forehead flap and identifies important differences within this danger zone among male versus female donors that surgeons should consider to prevent pedicle violation and enhance surgical success while maximizing flap length and mobility. Full article

In microvascular head and neck reconstruction, various factors such as diabetes, alcohol consumption, and preoperative radiation hold a risk for flap loss. The primary objective of this study was to examine the vessel morphology of both recipient and donor vessels and to identify predictors for changes in the diameters of H.E.-stained specimens associated with flap loss in a prospective setting. Artery and vein samples (N = 191) were collected from patients (N = 100), with sampling from the recipient vessels in the neck area and the donor vessels prior to anastomosis. External vessel diameter transverse (ED), inner vessel diameter transverse (ID), thickness vessel intima (TI), thickness vessel media (TM), thickness vessel wall (TVW), and intima-media ratio (IMR) for the recipient (R) and transplant site (T) in arteries (A) and veins (V) were evaluated using H.E. staining. Flap loss (3%) was associated with increased ARED (<italic>p</italic> = 0.004) and ARID (<italic>p</italic> = 0.004). Preoperative radiotherapy led to a significant reduction in the outer diameter of the recipient vein in the neck (<italic>p</italic> = 0.018). Alcohol consumption (<italic>p</italic> = 0.05), previous thrombosis (<italic>p</italic> = 0.007), and diabetes (<italic>p</italic> = 0.002) were associated with an increase in the total thickness of venous recipient veins in the neck. Diabetes was also found to be associated with dilation of the venous media in the neck vessels (<italic>p</italic> = 0.007). The presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was associated with reduced intimal thickness (<italic>p</italic> = 0.016) and increased total venous vessel wall thickness (<italic>p</italic> = 0.017) at the transplant site. Revision surgeries were linked to increased internal and external diameters of the graft artery (<italic>p</italic> = 0.04 and <italic>p</italic> = 0.003, respectively), while patients with flap loss showed significantly increased artery diameters (<italic>p</italic> = 0.004). At the transplant site, alcohol influenced the enlargement of arm artery diameters (<italic>p</italic> = 0.03) and the intima&#x2013;media ratio in the radial forearm flap (<italic>p</italic> = 0.013). In the anterolateral thigh, CVD significantly increased the intimal thickness and the intima&#x2013;media ratio of the graft artery (<italic>p</italic> = 0.01 and <italic>p</italic> = 0.02, respectively). Patients with myocardial infarction displayed increased thickness in the <italic>A. thyroidea</italic> and artery media (<italic>p</italic> = 0.003). Facial arteries exhibited larger total vessel diameters in patients with CVD (<italic>p</italic> = 0.03), while facial arteries in patients with previous thrombosis had larger diameters and thicker media (<italic>p</italic> = 0.01). The presence of diabetes was associated with a reduced intima&#x2013;media ratio (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001). Although the presence of diabetes, irradiation, and cardiovascular disease causes changes in vessel thickness in connecting vessels, these alterations did not adversely affect the overall success of the flap. Full article

Background: The reconstruction of midface skin defects represents a challenge for the head and neck surgeon due to the midface’s significant role in defining important facial traits. Due to the high complexity of the midface region, there is no possibility to use one definitive flap for all purposes. For moderate defects, the most common reconstructive techniques are represented by regional flaps. These flaps can be defined as donor tissue with a pedunculated axial blood supply not necessarily adjacent to the defect. The aim of this study is to highlight the more common surgical techniques adopted for midface reconstruction, providing a focus on each technique with its description and indications. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, an international database. The target of the research was to collect at least 10 different surgical techniques. Results: Twelve different techniques were selected and cataloged. The flaps included were the bilobed flap, rhomboid flap, facial-artery-based flaps (nasolabial flap, island composite nasal flap, retroangular flap), cervicofacial flap, paramedian forehead flap, frontal hairline island flap, keystone flap, Karapandzic flap, Abbè flap, and Mustardè flap. Conclusions: The study of the facial subunits, the location and size of the defect, the choice of the appropriate flap, and respect for the vascular pedicles are the key elements for optimal outcomes. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of buccinator myomucosal island flaps for tongue reconstruction following malignant tumor resections. A retrospective study was performed on 52 patients who underwent tongue reconstructions with buccinator myomucosal island flaps between 2012 and 2020. We reviewed the flap type and size, harvesting time, recipient- and donor-site complications, postoperative oncologic outcomes, functional recovery and QoL assessment. All of the flaps were transposed successfully without any total flap loss. Neither in the primary site nor in the neck were cancer relapses observed. An evaluation of the sensitivity revealed that 96.1% of patients experienced a recovery of touch, two-point and pain sensations. There were significant differences between the flap and the native mucosa in terms of the tactile (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.001) and two-point (p < 0.001) thresholds. The average swallowing score recorded was 6.1 out of 7, with only minor complaints. The quality of life assessments demonstrated high scores across physical (24.5 out of 28), social (25.8 out of 28), emotional (20.3 out of 24) and functional (25 out of 28) aspects. The present study showed how buccinator myomucosal island flaps represent an effective and functional tongue reconstructive option, requiring a short operative time with a low rate of donor site morbidity, and with evidence of long-term oncologic safety and high quality of life. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have evolved since their introduction to medicine in the 1990s. More powerful software, the miniaturization of hardware, and greater accessibility and affordability enabled novel applications of such virtual tools in surgical practice. This scoping review aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the literature by including all articles between 2018 and 2021 pertaining to VR and AR and their use by plastic and craniofacial surgeons in a clinician-as-user, patient-specific manner. From the initial 1637 articles, 10 were eligible for final review. These discussed a variety of clinical applications: perforator flaps reconstruction, mastectomy reconstruction, lymphovenous anastomosis, metopic craniosynostosis, dermal filler injection, auricular reconstruction, facial vascularized composite allotransplantation, and facial artery mapping. More than half (60%) involved VR/AR use intraoperatively with the remainder (40%) examining preoperative use. The hardware used predominantly comprised HoloLens (40%) and smartphones (40%). In total, 9/10 Studies utilized an AR platform. This review found consensus that VR/AR in plastic and craniomaxillofacial surgery has been used to enhance surgeons’ knowledge of patient-specific anatomy and potentially facilitated decreased intraoperative time via preoperative planning. However, further outcome-focused research is required to better establish the usability of this technology in everyday practice. Full article

Reconstruction of defects of the jaws is mainly performed via free fibula flap. An incidence of 2–21% of overall flap failure is still described. We investigated the roles of volume, length and number of fibula flap segments on flap survival using novel three-dimensional segmentation tools. We also analyzed the role of other possible risk factors. Seventy-one consecutive patients with a follow up of at least three months and who underwent free fibula flap reconstruction in a single center between 2002 and 2022 have been evaluated. A total of 166 fibula segments were analyzed. Malignancies were the main reason of resection (45.1%). In 69% of the cases a reconstruction of the mandible was performed. The flaps were mainly divided in two segments (39%) (range 1–4), with a mean length of 2.52 cm and a mean volume was 3.37 cm³. Total flap failure (TFF) occurred in 12 cases, (16.9%), while partial flap failure (PFF) appeared in 3 patients (4.2%). Volume, length and number of fibula flap segments did not seem to influence flap failure incidence in uni- and multivariate analysis. Reconstruction of the maxilla and use of a recipient vessel different from the facial artery seemed to significantly impact on flap failure. Smoking and previous surgeries showed a higher trend to flap failure, but they did not reach statistical significance. Prospective and multicentric analysis on a wider population should be assessed. Full article

Background: The reverse superior labial artery (rSLA) island flap can be used to reconstruct the cheek, ala, columella and vestibule of the nose when other techniques appear insufficient or impractical. The aim of this case series was to present applications of rSLA pedicle flaps in the post-ablative oncologic reconstruction of the face. Patients and Methods: Using a retrospective case-series study design, the investigators enrolled a cohort of patients undergoing procedures involving rSLA flaps treated at a Polish Otolaryngology Department for facial reconstruction after tumour excision. The main outcomes were functional and aesthetic aspects. Descriptive statistics were computed as appropriate. Results and Conclusions: The use of rSLA flaps allows surgeons to obtain a large skin island with only minimal cosmetic and functional alterations. In all of the cases in this series, the use of this pedicle flap resulted in both optimal healing and satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes. Full article

In the past, lip reconstruction after ablative surgery has been performed by primary closure and more recently by free flap transfer technique. Cheek’s skin flap has been used to reconstruct the lower lip cutaneous portion. This study presents a reconstructive method for the vermillion and the lip’s cutaneous portion using the Goldstein–Robotti techniques (for the vermillion) and the buccinator flap to reconstruct the cutaneous lip portion and the perioral muscles. This procedure allows a complete reconstruction with a double layer technique for defects of more than one-third of both lips, together or alone, including modiolus, showing satisfactory functionality and aesthetics. The procedure was carried out by splitting the buccinator muscle and elongating the upper and lower buccinator bundles, together or alone. Soft tissue blunt dissection prevented most facial nerves and vessels injuries, ensuring blood supply and an amount of lip sensitivity. Even in the case of facial vessel ligatures after neck dissection, the technique was possible basing the flap pedicle on the internal maxillary artery branches (buccinator) and contralateral facial vessels (orbicularis). We present a case series of six reconstructions of various defects of the upper and lower lips, including the commissure after ablative surgery for squamous cell carcinoma and polymorphous adenocarcinoma. The results showed satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes, with similar tissue texture, static and dynamic symmetry achieved for all the patients. Full article

Background and Objectives: Vascular variations appear as morphologically distinct patterns of blood diverging from the most commonly observed vessel patterns. The facial artery is considered to be the main vessel for supplying blood to the anterior part of the face. An anatomical understanding of the facial artery, its course, its topography, and its branches is important in medical and dental practice (especially in neck and face surgery), and is also essential for radiologists to be able to interpret vascular imaging in the face following angiography of the region. A profound knowledge of the arteries in the region will aid in minimizing the risks to the patient. Materials and Methods: In our publication a narrative literature review and a case report are presented. Results: A rare case of a facial artery pattern has been described anatomically for the first time with respect to its course and branching. This variation was found on the left side of a 60-year-old male corpse during anatomical dissection. The anterior branch of the facial artery arched in the direction of the labial angle, and there divided into the inferior and superior labial arteries. At the same time, the posterior branch coursed vertically and superficially to the masseter muscle. It here gave off the premasseteric branch, and continued towards the nose, where it ran below the levator labii superioris and the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscles and terminated at the dorsum nasi. Conclusions: Our review of the literature and the case report add to knowledge on the facial artery with respect to its topographical anatomy and its branching and termination patterns, as well as the areas of supply. An exact knowledge of individual facial artery anatomy may play an important role in the planning of flaps or tumor excisions due to the differing vascularization and can also help to prevent artery injuries during aesthetic procedures such as filler and botulinum toxin injections. Full article

Optimal functional outcomes in oncologic patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the tongue and floor of the mouth require good lingual mobility, adequate facial competence, the cheek suction effect and dental rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants. In this study, twenty-two oncologic patients who had been diagnosed with intraoral SCCA affecting the tongue and the floor of the mouth and who had undergone wide resection of the tumor and immediate reconstruction with an inferiorly pedicled FAMM flap and immediate osseointegrated implants were assessed. Lingual mobility, speech articulation, deglutition, implant success rate, mouth opening, and aesthetic results were evaluated. All patients were staged as T2 and the defect size ranged from 3.7 × 2.1 cm to 6.3 × 4.2 cm. A selective neck dissection was performed in all patients as part of their oncologic treatment, either electively or for node positive disease. Thirteen patients (59%) were diagnosed with node positive disease and underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. A total of 101 osseointegrated implants were placed for prosthetic rehabilitation and 8 implants were lost (7.9%), of which 7 received radiotherapy (87.5%). The implant success rate was 92.1%. Mouth opening was reported as normal in 19 patients (86.3%). Tongue tip elevation was reported as excellent in 19 patients (86.3%) and good in 3 patients (13.6%). Lingual protrusion was referred to as excellent in 15 patients (68.2%) and good in 6 patients (27.2%). Lateral excursion was reported as excellent in 14 patients (63.6%) and good in 7 patients (31.8%). In terms of speech articulation, 20 patients reported normal speech (90.9%). Regarding deglutition, 19 patients (86.3%) reported a regular diet while a soft diet was reported by 3 patients (13.7%). Aesthetic results were referred to as excellent in 17 patients (77.3%). FAMM flaps, immediate implants and fixed prostheses enable the functional rehabilitation of oncologic patients, optimizing aesthetics and functional outcomes even in patients undergoing irradiation, thus returning oncologic patients to an excellent quality of life. Full article

Backgroundand Objectives: The reconstruction of tongue defects after cancer resection is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap and the myomucosal buccinator flap (Bozola flap) are important tools in the reconstruction of intraoral defects. In this study, we describe the combination of both flaps—the extended, double-pedicled FAMM (dpFAMM) flap—and present clinical results of the reconstruction of moderate tongue defects in edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: a tongue defect, after squamous cell carcinoma excision, was reconstructed with the dpFAMM flap in 5 patients. Most of them received postoperative radiotherapy. Results: the healing process was uneventful in all patients. We did not observe flap necrosis or venous congestion. Tongue mobility, speech and swallowing were satisfactory. Conclusions: In conclusion, the dpFAMM flap is a good alternative in the reconstruction of moderate defects of the lateral part of the tongue. The flap is easy to harvest and has a good vascularity. This is a predictable method of reconstruction, especially for elderly patients with numerous comorbidities. Full article