Transoral Septoplasty before Le Fort I Downfracture: A Novel Functional Rhinoplasty Technique.

Individuals with maxillary dentofacial deformities commonly have preexisting nasal airway obstruction with associated nasal septal deviation. Combination bimaxillary procedures with intraoral septoplasty after maxillary downfracture have been demonstrated to address dentofacial deformities and nasal obstruction simultaneously. Although effective, current transoral septoplasty techniques offer limited visualization of the superior septum and are challenging to perform due to septal mobility after Le Fort I downfracture. Here, we describe a novel approach in which a transoral septoplasty is performed before completion of the Le Fort I maxillary downfracture, improving septal stability during the dissection and affording better visualization of the septal L-strut for precise cartilage resection.

Genioglossus Advancement: Technique Modification for Improved Chin Contour.

Genioglossus advancement plays an important role in the armamentarium of the obstructive sleep apnea surgeon and has gone through many iterations over several decades. A recently described technique involves creating a box osteotomy, which is carried through the inferior border of the mandible in order to increase recruitment of the suprahyoid musculature. Here we introduce a further modification of the technique that uses virtual planning to improve the safety and accuracy of genial tubercle capture. In addition, angulation of the lateral osteotomies enhances bone to bone contact. Before the osteotomy, the surgeon has the opportunity to drill the buccal plate to reduce the chin profile. This approach is particularly valuable in the patient who is prognathic at baseline or who becomes prognathic after simultaneous maxillomandibular advancement. Here we discuss this unique approach, demonstrating how the patient profile may be balanced even as the genial tubercle is advanced.

The Transoral Alar Batten Graft: A Functional Rhinoplasty Technique for the Orthognathic Jaw Surgery Patient.

SUMMARY: Many patients seeking orthognathic jaw surgery also experience nasal obstruction. Current transoral functional rhinoplasty techniques include septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction, which are performed through the mouth after maxillary downfracture. Although powerful, these interventions do not treat dynamic nasal sidewall collapse. The authors describe a novel transoral alar batten graft. Using the maxillary vestibular approach, septal cartilage is harvested and delivered from the maxillary vestibule into the nasal alar-sidewall junction through a small tunnel. This procedure is simple and versatile, and carries minimal morbidity, enabling the orthognathic jaw surgeon to support the nasal sidewall through a minimal-access approach and improve the patient's nasal function and airway.

Minimally Invasive Mandibular Microsurgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Microsurgical advances have led to minimally invasive approaches for mandibular reconstruction. Currently, no resource compares all minimally invasive microvascular mandibular reconstruction (MIMMR) treatment options. Methods: All known cases of MIMMR were identified following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses guidelines, and our own surgical experience. Patient demographics, MIMMR type [submandibular (SM), modified facelift/retroauricular (MFL/RA), or intraoral (IO)], methodology, and clinical outcomes were analyzed with the Fisher exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Forty-seven patients underwent MIMMR. Ameloblastoma was the most common pathology treated using all approaches, and MFL/RA was the only approach used to treat squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.0103). Reconstruction was reported for large, bilateral defects only via the SM or IO approach (P = 0.0216). The iliac crest or fibula was used as a donor site. The facial artery was the most common recipient vessel using the IO and SM approaches, whereas the superior thyroid and external carotid vessels were the most common in the MFL/RA approach (P < 0.0001). Virtual planning was used in all cases performed via an IO approach, 80.0% of cases using an SM approach, and no MFL/RA cases (P < 0.0001). Good aesthetic and functional outcomes were reported for every patient, and there was no difference in complication rates (P = 0.2880). Conclusions: Minimally invasive approaches are safe and effective treatment options for patients requiring mandibular microsurgery, usually in the setting of benign pathology. The IO and SM approaches usually rely on the facial vessels, whereas the MFL/RA approach permits access to the superior thyroid and external carotid vessels and cervical lymphadenectomy.

Adult Cleft Patients: An Exploration of Functional Needs and Treatment Barriers.

BACKGROUND: Management of cleft lip and palate has been well characterized in pediatric patients, but limited data exist regarding the long-term functional outcomes of cleft patients once they reach adulthood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional, cross-sectional survey of adult patients with a history of cleft lip and/or palate was performed. The survey recorded patient characteristics, concerns, and barriers to care. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire, and the CLEFT-Q Speech Modules. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients (18.2%) participated in the survey. The mean patient age was 43.7 years (median: 41 y, range: 19-93 y), and the most common diagnosis was cleft lip and palate (51%) followed by isolated cleft palate (35%) and isolated cleft lip (14%). A subset of patients scored with moderate to severe dysfunction on each outcome measure including the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Instrument (59%), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (7%), and Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (13%). Respondent scores on the CLEFT-Q Speech modules demonstrated a bimodal distribution with lower scores in a significant subset of patients with cleft palate and cleft lip and palate. Many respondents (41%) were interested in clinical evaluation but cited barriers to seeking treatment including financial barriers (35%) or lack awareness of clinical options (27%). CONCLUSIONS: Many cleft patients have persistent needs or concerns in adulthood, especially regarding speech and nasal breathing. Systemic barriers pose challenges to these patients undergoing clinical evaluation.

Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy in a Jehovah's Witness patient: strategies for minimizing blood loss and maximizing safety.

BACKGROUND: The Watch Tower Society, the main governing organization of the Jehovah's Witness (JW) faith, introduced the doctrine to refuse blood in 1945 and has been enforcing it since 1961. A member can be expelled for accepting prohibited blood components. Many reconstructive surgeries place patients at an increased risk for blood loss. There have been attempts at reducing the rate of transfusions in craniofacial surgery, even in patients not opposed to it. PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old female patient, who refused blood transfusion due to her faith, presented with a class III malocclusion, transverse maxillary constriction, and a lateral open bite. Surgery was deferred until the patient reached 18 years of age and had undergone preoperative orthodontics. A two-piece Le Fort I osteotomy was performed. Erythropoietin, oral iron, and tranexamic acid were used to minimize intraoperative blood loss. CONCLUSION: Here we discuss preoperative and intraoperative management strategies to ensure a transfusion-free environment for patients with religious objections to blood transfusions undergoing operations with increased bleeding risk.

Management of a Highly Vascular Low-grade Myofibroblastic Sarcoma of the Mandible.

An 11-year-old male patient presented with a large, highly vascular, destructive mandibular mass. An intraoral biopsy showed pleomorphic spindle cells arranged in intersecting fascicles, with scattered atypia. A diagnosis of low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma was made. The lesion was treated with preoperative arterial embolization followed by surgical resection and reconstruction with a fibular osteomyocutaneous free flap. To our knowledge, no reports of highly vascular mandibular low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma are available in the literature.

Pediatric Odontogenic and Maxillofacial Bone Pathology: A Global Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although pathology in the maxillary and mandibular bones is rare in young patients, the differential diagnosis is broad. The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its classification of maxillofacial bone pathology in 2017. Using these updated guidelines, a systematic review of common maxillofacial bone lesions in the pediatric population was performed. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted capturing English language articles from inception to July 2020. Thirty-one articles were identified that described the frequency of maxillofacial bone pathology. Data were extracted and organized using the WHO 2017 classification of odontogenic and maxillofacial bone tumors. Prevalence data were analyzed among diagnostic categories and geographical regions. The SAS version 9.4 was used to complete statistical analyses. RESULTS: The articles included patients from birth to a maximum age of 14 to 19 years. The most common odontogenic cysts included radicular cyst (42.7%) and dentigerous cyst (39.0%) followed by odontogenic keratocyst (15.0%). Among odontogenic bone tumors, odontoma (49.3%) was most common followed by ameloblastoma (29.1%). The most common nonodontogenic bone tumor was fibrous dysplasia (42.4%), and the most common malignant bone tumor was osteosarcoma (75.0%). Significant variations were found by geographic region, with dentigerous cyst more common than radicular cyst, and ameloblastoma more common than odontoma in African and Asian countries (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review uses the WHO 2017 guidelines to classify common odontogenic and nonodontogenic maxillofacial bone lesions around the world. Pathogenesis, presentation, and available treatment options for the most common maxillofacial bone lesions are reviewed.

Unique Techniques Utilizing Rib Grafts for Mandibular Reconstruction in the Pediatric Population.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric mandibular reconstruction requires a grafted segment of sufficient height and stability to support dental implant placement. Double barreling and mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) after reconstruction are two techniques to achieve this, but they have only been reported with fibular grafts. Rib grafts not only have a lower donor site morbidity than fibular grafts, but they also provide adequate defect coverage in children. As such, we propose their use with either a double barrel technique or with MDO. METHODS: Three pediatric patients underwent mandibular resection and reconstruction using rib grafting. One patient underwent single rib graft placement with subsequent vertical rib distraction. In the remaining two patients, a double-barreled rib technique was used, stacked horizontally in one patient and vertically in the other. RESULTS: From March 2018 to May 2019, three patients with an average age of 11 underwent resection of mandibular tumors or tumor-like lesions followed by immediate reconstruction with rib graft. Due to postoperative wound complications, the graft was completely removed in one patient. The remaining two patients had an uneventful recovery with dental implants planned for one and fully osseointegrated in the other. None of the patients experienced donor-site complications. CONCLUSION: This case series supports the utility and versatility of autogenous rib grafts as a reconstructive option in children. Not only is rib an excellent bone source with low donor site morbidity, but its height can be augmented through MDO or double barreling, facilitating the successful placement of implants and oral rehabilitation in pediatric patients.

Can Functional Nasal Surgery Treat Chronic Headaches? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Nasal surgery is one of the most common operations performed by plastic surgeons. The link between functional nasal surgery and improvement in nasal breathing is well established, but there are other metrics that have been shown to improve as a result of anatomical correction of the nose. Current literature suggests that surgery to remove nasal mucosal contact points can reduce symptoms in chronic headache patients. The authors conducted a systematic literature review to determine the validity of this hypothesis. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was performed using the terms "headache," "rhinogenic headache," "contact point," "migraine," and "surgery/endoscopy." RESULTS: The authors identified 39 articles encompassing a total of 1577 patients who underwent surgery to treat mucosal contact point headaches. Septoplasty and turbinate reduction were the most commonly performed procedures, often in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery. Analysis of the combined data demonstrated improvement in the reported severity of patient symptoms, with 1289 patients (85 percent) reporting partial or complete resolution of headaches postoperatively. Average visual analogue scale scores and number of headache days in patients undergoing nasal surgery were reduced from 7.4 ± 0.9 to 2.6 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) and 22 ± 4.3 days to 6.4 ± 4.2 days (p = 0.016), respectively. Improvement in headache symptoms was significantly associated with a positive response to preoperative anesthetic testing, and with inclusion of endoscopic sinus surgery as part of the surgery. CONCLUSION: Functional nasal surgery is a viable option to improve headache symptoms in appropriately selected patients.

Comparison of Outpatient and Inpatient Pediatric Rhinoplasty: Results From National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric, 2012-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Outpatient management of patients undergoing elective surgical procedures has been associated with significantly decreased health care costs compared with inpatient management. This study investigates current practices in outpatient versus inpatient management of pediatric rhinoplasty patients. METHODS: A query was performed of the 2012 to 2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric data sets. Patients age 17 or younger undergoing rhinoplasty as the primary surgical procedure were included. Clinical characteristics and complications were compared among patients managed as inpatients versus outpatients using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Among 938 pediatric rhinoplasty patients, 199 (21.2%) were managed as inpatients. Multivariate analysis revealed multiple variables significantly associated with an increased odds of inpatient management, including young patient age, presence of a congenital malformation, neurologic or nutritional disease, lengthy procedure time, management by a plastic surgeon compared with an otolaryngologist, and certain procedure types including cleft septorhinoplasty, secondary rhinoplasty with intermediate or major revision, and rib cartilage grafting. Complications among both inpatients and outpatients were rare, with the most common complication being readmission among 15 patients (1.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that multiple subgroups of pediatric patients undergoing rhinoplasty procedures have a significantly increased likelihood of inpatient management without any significantly increased likelihood of a complication or need for readmission. Future efforts to manage appropriately selected children on an ambulatory basis may be safe, while improving costs and quality of care.

Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Consensus, Controversy, and Craniofacial Considerations.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, is associated with multiple adverse neurodevelopmental and cardiometabolic consequences. It is common in healthy children and occurs with a higher incidence among infants and children with craniofacial anomalies. Although soft-tissue hypertrophy is the most common cause, interplay between soft tissue and bone structure in children with craniofacial differences may also contribute to upper airway obstruction. Snoring and work of breathing are poor predictors of obstructive sleep apnea, and the gold standard for diagnosis is overnight polysomnography. Most healthy children respond favorably to adenotonsillectomy as first-line treatment, but 20 percent of children have obstructive sleep apnea refractory to adenotonsillectomy and may benefit from positive airway pressure, medical therapy, orthodontics, craniofacial surgery, or combined interventions. For children with impairment of facial skeletal growth or craniofacial anomalies, rapid maxillary expansion, midface distraction, and mandibular distraction have all been demonstrated to have therapeutic value and may significantly improve a child's respiratory status. This Special Topic article reviews current theories regarding the underlying pathophysiology of pediatric sleep apnea, summarizes standards for diagnosis and management, and discusses treatments in need of further investigation, including orthodontic and craniofacial interventions. To provide an overview of the spectrum of disease and treatment options available, a deliberately broad approach is taken that incorporates data for both healthy children and children with craniofacial anomalies.

The radial forearm snake flap: A novel approach to oral cavity and oropharyngeal reconstruction that reduces forearm donor site morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Radial forearm free flaps are a versatile option for head and neck reconstruction, but often complicated by donor-site problems including skin-graft loss and wound breakdown. We introduce the radial forearm "snake" flap as a technique enabling primary donor site closure and compare wound healing outcomes to flap donor sites requiring split thickness skin graft (STSG) closure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review of all radial forearm free flaps harvested over a 5-year period was performed. We identified 18 radial forearm snake flaps whose donor sites were closed primarily. These flaps were designed as a long, narrow ellipse parallel to the forearm. An additional 57 forearm flaps were identified whose donor sites were closed with STSGs. Patient demographics, free flap survival rates, and wound healing complications were compared. RESULTS: The survival rate for radial forearm snake flaps was 100% compared to 98.2% for wider radial forearm flaps (P = 1.00). There were 8 tendon exposures at the donor site, all of which occurred in patients whose donor sites were closed with STSGs. Delayed wound healing occurred in 1 radial forearm snake flap donor site (5.6%) compared to 18 (31.6%) donor sites closed with STSGs (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Radial forearm snake flaps are useful for reconstruction of small to medium size defects of the oral cavity and oropharynx and enable primary donor site closure. Flap success rates are not compromised by raising a radial forearm snake flap and rates of delayed healing of the flap donor site are significantly reduced compared to forearm flap donor sites closed with STSGs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:6-11, 2017.

Recipient vessel selection in the difficult neck: Outcomes of external carotid artery transposition and end-to-end microvascular anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Selection of recipient vessels for head and neck microvascular surgery may be limited in the previously dissected or irradiated neck. When distal branches of the external carotid artery (ECA) are unavailable, additional options for arterial inflow are needed. Here we propose high ligation of the ECA and transposition toward the lower neck as an alternative. METHODS: After obtaining institutional approval, patients who underwent head and neck tumor resection and simultaneous free flap reconstruction were identified over a 5-year period. Patients whose recipient artery was listed in the operative report were included. Chart review was performed to identify patient demographics, operative details, and patient and flap complications. In cases where the ECA was used, the artery was traced distally with care taken to protect the hypoglossal nerve. The ECA was then divided and transposed toward the lower neck where an end-to-end microvascular anastomosis was performed. RESULTS: The recipient artery used for head and neck microsurgery was available for 176 flaps, and the facial (n = 127, 72.2%) and external carotid (n = 19, 10.8%) arteries were most commonly used. There were 0 flap thromboses in the ECA group compared to 3 flap thromboses that occurred with other recipient arteries (P = 1.00). No cases of first bite syndrome or hypoglossal nerve injury were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The ECA may be transposed toward the lower neck and used for end-to-end microvascular anastomosis without complication of hypoglossal nerve injury or first bite syndrome. This method may be considered an alternative in patients with limited recipient vessel options for head and neck microsurgery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:96-100, 2017.

Risk factors for unplanned readmission following head and neck microvascular reconstruction: Results from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, 2011-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Unplanned readmissions are associated with decreased healthcare quality and increased costs. This nationwide study examines causes for unplanned readmission among head and neck cancer patients undergoing immediate microsurgical reconstruction. METHODS: Patients undergoing head and neck tumor resection with microsurgical reconstruction were identified in the 2011-2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Clinical characteristics and complications were compared among patients who did and did not undergo unplanned readmission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Database search revealed 1,063 patients, 94 (8.8%) of whom had unplanned readmissions. Readmitted patients had significantly higher ASA scores (14.9% vs.7.3% ASA class 4 patients; P = 0.03) and significantly higher rates of disseminated cancer (14.9% vs.7.1%; P = 0.01), laryngopharyngectomy (17.0% vs.6.9%; P = 0.0005), deep wound infection (22.3% vs.2.4%; P < 0.0001), wound dehiscence (19.1% vs.3.3%; P < 0.0001), and blood transfusion within 72 h of surgery (44.7% vs.32.6%; P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression revealed deep wound infection (OR = 8.65, P < 0.0001) and wound dehiscence (OR = 3.69, P = 0.0004) to be independent predictors of unplanned readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Deep wound infection and wound dehiscence were independent predictors of unplanned readmission among head and neck cancer patients undergoing immediate microsurgical reconstruction. Institutions should focus efforts on improving wound surveillance, outpatient strategies for wound care, and optimization of discharge planning for this complex patient population.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: The Role of Upper Airway and Facial Skeletal Surgery.

Obstructive sleep apnea represents a large burden of disease to the general population and may compromise patient quality of life; workplace and automotive safety; and metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive health. The disease is characterized by repetitive cycles of upper airway collapse resulting from a lack of pharyngeal airway structural support and loss of muscle tone among upper airway dilators. Polysomnography serves as the gold standard for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and the apnea-hypopnea index is the most commonly used metric for quantifying disease severity. Conservative treatments include lifestyle modification, continuous positive airway pressure treatment, and dental appliance therapy. Surgical treatment options include pharyngeal and facial skeletal surgery. Maxillomandibular advancement has been shown to be the most effective surgical approach for multilevel expansion of the upper airway and may significantly reduce an obstructive sleep apnea patient's apnea-hypopnea index. Patient age, obesity, and the degree of maxillary advancement may be key factors contributing to treatment success.

Disparities in Utilization of Jaw Surgery for Treatment of Sleep Apnea: A Nationwide Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Maxillomandibular advancement has been shown to be one of the most effective operations for management of severe obstructive sleep apnea, yet pharyngeal surgery is more commonly performed. The goal of this study was to identify socioeconomic factors associated with this phenomenon. METHODS: Patients aged 14 or older with a primary hospital diagnosis of sleep apnea were identified using the National Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2012. ICD9 codes were used to determine whether a pharyngeal or jaw procedure was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and complications were compared. RESULTS: Among 6316 sleep surgeries, 5964 (94.4%) were pharyngeal and 352 (5.6%) were jaw procedures. Women were significantly more likely to receive jaw surgery than men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, P = 0.0007). African Americans (OR = 0.19, P < 0.0001), Hispanics (OR = 0.42, P = 0.0009), Asians (OR = 0.41, P = 0.0009), and other non-Caucasians (OR = 0.19, P = 0.0008) had a significantly lower odds of receiving jaw surgery than Caucasians. Patients falling into lower-income brackets (OR = 0.39 and 0.57, P = 0.02 and 0.04) and patients with Medicare compared with private or Health Maintenance Organization insurance (OR = 0.46, P = 0.008) also had significantly decreased odds of undergoing jaw surgery. Comorbidities were similar between surgical groups, and there were no significant differences in bleeding, infection, or cardiopulmonary complications. CONCLUSIONS: We identified no significant difference in complication rates between pharyngeal and jaw procedures. Nonetheless, African American, Hispanic, and Asian patients, in addition to lower-income patients and patients with Medicare, had a significantly lower odds of receiving jaw surgery. Awareness of these disparities may help guide efforts to improve patients' surgical options for sleep apnea.

Elective free flap revision in the head and neck cancer patient: Indications and outcomes.

Elective free flap revision among head and neck cancer patients remains poorly characterized. This study evaluates patients who underwent flap revision and their surgical outcomes. Patients who underwent tumor extirpation with free flap reconstruction were identified over a 5-year period. Elective flap revision was defined as debulking or redraping of the original free flap for functional or cosmetic reasons. Patient demographics, surgical indications, and outcomes were reviewed. One hundred and eighty-six patients were identified, and 19 (10.2%) underwent flap revision. Revision of oral cavity flaps (n = 9, 47.4%) was performed to address excessive flap bulk compromising lip competence, speech, swallowing, mastication, or placement of a dental prosthesis. Revision of flaps resurfacing the face or neck (n = 10, 52.6%) was performed to address facial ptosis after facial nerve sacrifice, facial asymmetry, or soft tissue redundancy. Revisions were performed at an average of 7.3 months postoperatively and there was no age or gender bias toward undergoing flap revision. Patients whose flap skin paddles were used to resurface the facial or neck skin were significantly more likely to undergo elective revision than patients with an external paddle designed for flap monitoring (p < 0.01). We identified a 10% elective revision rate for head and neck free flaps in cancer patients, approximately half of which were performed to improve oral cavity function and half of which were performed to address facial ptosis or asymmetry. While there was no age or gender preference for flap revision, extensive facial or neck resurfacing was significantly associated with eventual flap revision.

Can Sonography Distinguish a Supraorbital Notch From a Foramen?

Diagnostic tools for evaluating the supraorbital rim in preparation for nerve decompression surgery in patients with chronic headaches are currently limited. We evaluated the use of sonography to diagnose the presence of a supraorbital notch or foramen in 11 cadaver orbits. Sonographic findings were assessed by dissecting cadaver orbits to determine whether a notch or foramen was present. Sonography correctly diagnosed the presence of a supraorbital notch in 7 of 7 cases and correctly diagnosed a supraorbital foramen in 4 of 4 cases. We found that sonography had 100% sensitivity in diagnosing a supraorbital notch and foramen. This tool may therefore be helpful in characterizing the supraorbital rim preoperatively and may influence the decision to use a transpalpebral or endoscopic approach for supraorbital nerve decompression as well as the decision to use local or general anesthesia.