Implant Dental Rehabilitation of Fibula-Free Flap Reconstructed Jaws.

BACKGROUND: The possibility of placing dental fixtures in the reconstructed regions allows us to overcome the problems related to dental rehabilitation with removable prosthesis. The aim of this study was to assess the clinic-radiological outcome in a series of patients who underwent fibula flap jaws reconstruction and rehabilitation with implant-supported prosthesis with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 10 patients who underwent reconstruction with fibula free flap between 2010 and 2018. Albrektsson criteria were used to define the implant survival. The follow-up evaluation was performed according to a standardized protocol including clinical examination, radiological evaluation (panoramic radiograph) and patient interview. RESULTS: A total of 45 implants were positioned.The time between mandibular reconstruction and implant placement ranged from 13 months to 39 months.The prosthesis used was fixed in 6 cases and supported overdenture in 4 cases.No implant failure was observed.Regarding implant survival no infections were observed in these series. Nine patients out of 10 had no pain and signs of mobility. Seven patients out of 10 had absence of peri-implant radiolucency at the panoramic radiograph.One patient presented with an overgrowth of granulomatous soft tissue around the implant abutments that caused pain. CONCLUSIONS: Implant placed in vascularized bone grafts are a safe and reliable opportunity to rehabilitate patients following mandibular resection. The results of this series demonstrate a high survival rate for implants placed in reconstructed mandibles with an improvement of the quality of life.

The Shape of Things to Come: In-Hospital Three-Dimensional Printing for Mandibular Reconstruction Using Fibula Free Flap.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to explore whether the production of in-hospital, low-cost surgical cutting guides would be possible and to assess different cutting guide shapes to facilitate the surgery and the application with instruments. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Using free computer-aided design software, surgical cutting guides for the mandible and fibula were designed and used to perform virtual segmental osteotomies and fibula transplants in seven patients. RESULTS: Fourteen virtual osteotomies were performed using the free software and the proposed workflow. Thirteen guides were then printed to transfer the virtual planning information to the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual planning and the three-dimensional (3D) printing of guides for mandibular reconstruction is reliable with the aid of an in-hospital 3D laboratory. We also demonstrated that different guides with different shapes could be produced with benefits during surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2020.

Prospective assessment of taste impairment and nausea during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Dysgeusia and nausea are common side effects observed in head and neck cancer patients treated with either exclusive radiotherapy or combined modality treatment. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate dysgeusia, during treatment and follow-up, using the chemotherapy-induced taste alteration scale (CiTAS), a metrics based on 18-items exploring three dimensions (quantitative and qualitative changes in taste perception, and diet-related issues) identified through a four-factor analysis: decline in basic taste, discomfort, phantogeusia-parageusia, and general taste alterations. Moreover, we scored, according to Common Toxicity Criteria Adverse Events, nausea and other treatment-related toxicities. Since, ginger is traditionally used to prevent and/or treat nausea and vomiting, we prophylactically employed a ginger-based supplement named Naumix/Naugin (Gamfarma, Milan, Italy), to potentially mitigate both nausea and taste impairment. Using the CiTAS scale, we highlighted a progressive increase in all dysgeusia dimensions, peaking at the VII week of treatment and a subsequent partial late recovery. In particular, we observed a recovery for discomfort, phantogeusia-parageusia, and general taste alterations at 6 months. Grade 2 nausea, observed to be as low as 12.9% potentially due to the use of ginger, peaked at the III week of treatment. Finally, for patients experiencing nausea, the dysgeusia dimension of discomfort was also relevant.

Prospective assessment of oral mucositis and its impact on quality of life and patient-reported outcomes during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common acute side effect during radiotherapy treatments for head and neck cancer (HNC), with a potential impact on patient's compliance to therapy, quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes. Its timely and appropriate management is of paramount importance. Several quantitative scoring scales are available to properly assess OM and its influence on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and QoL. We prospectively assessed OM in a cohort of HNC patients submitted to radiation using the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS), while its impact on PROs and QoL was evaluated employing the Oral Mucositis Weekly Questionnaire-Head and Neck Cancer (OMWQ-HN) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck Cancer (FACT-HN). Evaluation of OMAS scores highlighted a progressive increase in OM during treatment and a partial recovery after the end of radiation. These trends were correlated to PROs and QoL as evaluated with OMWQ-HN and FACT-HN questionnaires. In the present study, we provided a quantitative assessment of OM, PROs and QoL in HNC patient undergoing radiotherapy, potentially useful for future comparison.

Management of acute skin toxicity with Hypericum perforatum and neem oil during platinum-based concurrent chemo-radiation in head and neck cancer patients.

Acute skin toxicity is a frequent finding during combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. Its timely and appropriate management is crucial for both oncological results and patient's global quality of life. We herein report clinical data on the use of Hypericum perforatum and neem oil in the treatment of acute skin toxicity during concurrent chemo-radiation for head and neck cancer. A consecutive series of 50 head and neck cancer patients undergoing concomitant radio-chemotherapy with weekly cisplatin was analyzed. Treatment with Hypericum perforatum and neem oil was started in case of G2 acute skin toxicity according to the RTOG/EORTC scoring scale and continued during the whole treatment course and thereafter until complete recovery. The maximum detected acute skin toxicity included Grade 2 events in 62% of cases and G3 in 32% during treatment and G2 and G3 scores in 52 and 8%, respectively, at the end of chemo-radiation. Grade 2 toxicity was mainly observed during weeks 4-5, while G3 during weeks 5-6. Median times spent with G2 or G3 toxicity were 23.5 and 14 days. Patients with G3 toxicity were reconverted to a G2 profile in 80% of cases, while those with a G2 score had a decrease to G1 in 58% of cases. Time between maximum acute skin toxicity and complete skin recovery was 30 days. Mean worst pain score evaluated with the Numerical Rating Scale-11 was 6.9 during treatment and 4.5 at the end of chemo-radiotherapy. Hypericum perforatum and neem oil proved to be a safe and effective option in the management of acute skin toxicity in head and neck cancer patients submitted to chemo-radiation with weekly cisplatin. Further studies with a control group and patient-reported outcomes are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Induction Chemotherapy and Sequential Concomitant Chemo-radiation in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers: How Induction-phase Intensity and Treatment Breaks May Impact on Clinical Outcomes.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to assess outcomes of locally advanced head and neck (LAHNC) treated with induction chemotherapy (ICT) and subsequent concurrent chemo-radiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 71 LAHNC patients were treated with 2-3 cycles of docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil as induction chemotherapy and subsequent concurrent chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin or carboplatin. Definitive radiotherapy was delivered with intensity-modulated radiation and a simultaneous integrated boost approach up to a total dose of 70 Gy in 35 fractions to the macroscopic primary and nodal disease. RESULTS: Actuarial 2-year OS, CSS, DFS, MFS, LC were 55.3% (95%CI=39.3-68.6), 58.6% (95%CI=41.9-72), 60.5% (95%CI=47.3-71.4), 87.3% (95%CI=76.2-93.5) and 74.7% (95%CI=61.5-83.9), respectively. On multivariate analysis undergoing to 3 vs. 2 cycles of TPF (HR=22.31; 95%CI=2.68-185.66; p=0.004) and radiotherapy treatment break >4 days (HR=1.28; 95%CI=1.06-1.55; p=0.01) negatively affected cancer-specific survival (CSS) with statistical significance. Achieving complete remission after ICT had a statistically significant impact on CSS (HR=0.9; 95%CI=0.01-0.54; p=0.009). Patients undergoing ICT with 3 cycles had more frequently treatment breaks compared to those submitted to 2 cycles (HR=1.36; 95%CI=1.06-1.73; p=0.01), and had statistically significant longer treatment break time (5.9+1.8 vs. 3+0.36; p=0.02). CONCLUSION: A shorter ICT phase may be a better option enhancing patients' tolerance during concurrent chemoradiation and affecting clinical outcomes.

To computer-aided design and manufacturing or not to computer-aided design and manufacturing? Free fibula flap with computer-aided technique for mandibular reconstruction.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy of computer-assisted free fibula flap for reconstruction of large mandibular defects for benign tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2012 and January 2014, a total of 4 free osteocutaneous computer-assisted fibula flaps have been used in an equal number of patients for reconstruction of the mandible at the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, Città della Scienza e della Salute Hospital, University of Turin. Inclusion criteria were large mandibular defects due to benign tumors. The computer-assisted fibula flap was chosen when 2 or more osteotomies were requested. Intraoperative complication, mean ischemia time, operative time, and morphologic outcomes were analyzed in all cases. After surgery, a postoperative computed tomography compared the virtual plan with the surgical results. RESULTS: All 3 flaps were harvested and transplanted successfully. For the free flaps examined in this work, no intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative computed tomography showed high correspondence in terms of bone contour according to the virtual plan. The immediate and long-term morphologic results were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical mandible reconstruction using a computer-assisted fibula flap technique is the best available method to manage complex defects.

Oral mucosa harvest for urologic reconstruction: role of maxillofacial surgeon and donor-site morbidity evaluation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present retrospective analysis of our experience regarding complications associated with the donor site after oral mucosa harvest for urethral reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2010 and January 2013, a total of 18 patients with recurrent urethral strictures received a buccal mucosal graft for urethral reconstruction at the San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin. All operations were performed in a 2-team approach. All patients were retrospectively evaluated by clinical examination and using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Urethroplasty with oral mucosa graft was performed successfully in a 1-step procedure in 17 of 18 patients. No intraoperative complications were observed.The most common complication occurring at the buccal donor site was scarring and contracture (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Oral mucosa graft for urethroplasty is a simple and safe method in the interdisciplinary treatment of urethral strictures. Donor-site morbidity measured by clinical assessment and questionnaire is tolerable.

Evaluation of plate-related complications and efficacy in fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction.

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of plate-related complications after vascularized bony reconstruction of the mandible, comparing the plate type used. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and December 2012, a total of 41 free osteocutaneous fibula flaps have been used in an equal number of patients for reconstruction of the mandible, at the Division of Maxillofacial surgery, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin. Malignant pathology was the most common indication for segmental mandibulectomy.Patient outcomes were retrospectively evaluated with special attention to plate complications such as plate fracture, exposure, infection, and bony nonunion.The types of reconstruction plates used were mandible plates 2.0, locking plates 2.0, miniplates (<2.0), and locking 2.4 plates. RESULTS: Mandible plates 2.0 were used in 14 patients, locking plates 2.0 in 12 patients, and locking 2.4 plates in 4 patients. The most commonly used plates were miniplates, which were used in 86 patients.A total of 5 plate complications occurred after 41 procedures in an equal number of patients.Two complications occurred in patients receiving 2.0 mandible plates (2/14). One complication occurred in patients receiving 2.0 locking plates (1/12). Two complications occurred in patients receiving miniplates (2/86). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, miniplates are not associated to a high rate of complications comparing to other plates. The advantage of these plates and the low rate of complications make them our first choice for mandibular reconstructions.

Surgical management of synchronous central giant cell granuloma and ossifying fibroma of the mandible.

We describe the surgical management of an uncommon case of synchronous presentation of central giant cell granuloma and ossifying fibroma in the mandible. A mandibular resection was performed and a fibula-free flap was harvested to reconstruct the defect.

Dermofat graft after superficial parotidectomy to prevent Frey syndrome and depressed deformity.

Adequate tumor resection and preservation of facial nerve function are the primary goals of the parotidectomy. However, this technique may lead to undesirable effects, including a concave facial effect, Frey syndrome, and prominent scar.The aim of this study is evaluate the outcomes of facial symmetry and symptomatic Frey syndrome in patients having dermofat graft during superficial parotidectomy.The incidence of symptomatic Frey syndrome was lower in patients who received dermofat graft and so was the facial asymmetry rate, but these differences were not statistically significant.

Double consecutive retrobulbar hemorrhage in a high-risk patient in treatment with aspirin and warfarin.

Retrobulbar hemorrhage is a vision-threatening emergency that may occur spontaneously or following facial trauma, orbital surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, and retrobulbar injections. It may determine visual loss because of central retinal artery occlusion, optic neuropathy from direct compression, or compression of the circulation from mechanical tamponade. In addition to a deterioration in visual acuity with total blindness in the most severe cases, several symptoms and signs can be found, such as a sudden onset of severe pain, proptosis, and ophthalmoplegia.The knowledge of past medical history and underlying medical conditions is crucial in patients with retrobulbar hemorrhages. In fact, patients with blood dyscrasias have to be considered high-risk patients due to their increased propensity for uncontrolled bleeding.The aim of this article was to present and discuss the management of a case of double consecutive retrobulbar hemorrhage in a high-risk patient in treatment with aspirin and warfarin.

Morbidity associated with anterior iliac crest bone graft.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the morbidity of the harvest of the anterior iliac bone graft and the overall satisfaction rates in a group of patients who underwent harvesting of iliac crest bone graft. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent iliac crest bone graft procedures from January 2002 to August 2009 were recalled and invited to answer a questionnaire about postoperative pain, sensory disturbance, functional limitations, and cosmetic appearance. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were included in this retrospective study. Seventeen patients (28%) reported postoperative pain. A patient reported an intraoperative hip fracture. Sensory disturbances were reported by 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior iliac crest can still be considered a favorable donor site for preprosthetic and cleft surgery. Given its relatively low morbidity rate, early ambulation, and hospital discharge, anterior iliac crest still remains the donor site of choice according to the authors.

Management and outcomes of three cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by fungi belonging to Mucorales order. The infection usually starts in the middle or inferior nasal meatus and then spreads to the paranasal sinuses and the orbit. Then it reaches the brain through the ethmoid and the orbit apex and can lead to lethargy, paralysis, and death. The majority of cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis are diagnosed in patients with immunologic and metabolic disorders. Early diagnosis is fundamental, and so is medical therapy with amphotericin B along with surgical toilet of the compromised tissues. This article presents and discusses the management of 3 cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis with different onsets, progressions, and outcomes.

Surgical treatment and reconstruction for central giant cell granuloma of the jaws: a review of 18 cases.

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an uncommon benign bony lesion that occurs in the mandible and maxilla. The clinical behaviour of CGCG ranges from a slow-growing asymptomatic swelling to an aggressive lesion that presents pain, local bone destruction, root resorption and tooth displacement. Therapeutic options have varied greatly over the years. Non-surgical treatments with alpha interferon (alpha-IFN), calcitonin and corticosteroids have been described and their benefits may be worthy of consideration. Surgery is considered the traditional treatment and it is still the most accepted one, however in the literature not all authors agree on the type of surgery which should be performed. Although en bloc resection provides the lowest recurrence rate, only a few single case reports describe the use of this technique followed by reconstruction with autogenous bone grafts. The authors report their experience with en bloc resection of 18 wide CGCGs which had not been previously treated medically. Immediate reconstruction was carried out for all cases and in one, a fibula free flap was used to reconstruct the mandible. No recurrence was observed. After complete healing of the graft, prosthetic rehabilitation via implants was performed. This allowed the best functional and aesthetic results.

Composite hemangioendothelioma of the oral cavity: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Composite hemangioendothelioma is a rare histopathologic feature, which is part of the hemangioendothelioma family. This is a heterogeneous group of vascular neoplasia with a high tendency to local relapse but a rare predisposition to metastatic spread. Composite hemangioendothelioma mainly affects adults and is usually localized in the distal extremity of the limbs. To date, only 1 case has been detected in the oral cavity. METHODS: A case of composite hemangioendothelioma in a 38-year-old man is reported. The lesion was localized in the left cheek vestibular mucosa. It was surgically excised with a 1-cm safety margin. Reconstruction was performed with a platysma myocutaneous flap. RESULTS: At present, the patient is free from recurrence. The aesthetic and functional outcomes are satisfactory. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates how a composite hemangioendothelioma histological diagnosis can be difficult to achieve. Furthermore, therapy must be surgical and excision should be wide.

Clinicopathological parameters and outcome of 245 patients operated for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: This report analysed the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma in order to identify the prognostic value of several factors. PATIENTS: A total of 245 patients were studied who had undergone surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma between 1989 and 2002, of whom 109 had received postoperative radiation therapy. METHODS: For each patient, personal data, alcohol and tobacco consumption, symptoms, histological findings, treatment, and outcome were recorded and analysed statistically. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier algorithm, and the difference in survival among subgroups was examined. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival rate in the 245 patients was 63% (72.5% at 3 years). The differences in the 5-year survival were significant (p<0.05) for the site of origin, N and pN status, TNM stage, grading, status of the resection margins, osseous infiltration, and perineural invasion. Vascular involvement as a discriminator was not statistically significant. In patients undergoing radiation therapy, only perineural invasion negatively influenced the 5-year survival prognosis (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The overall survival rate was within the (previously) reported range. The prognostic value of many parameters is widely recognized; the combined evaluation of 'composite factors' is promising.

An audit of mandibular fractures treated by intermaxillary fixation using intraoral cortical bone screws.

INTRODUCTION: During the last 10 years, intermaxillary fixation using intraoral cortical bone screws has been introduced for the treatment of mandibular fractures. The aim of this work was to evaluate the indications and possible complications of this method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients with mandibular fractures, treated by intermaxillary fixation using these screws, were evaluated by preoperative and postoperative panoramic radiographs. Clinical testing was carried out for vitality and abnormal mobility of teeth adjacent to the site of screw insertions. To evaluate the efficacy of this method, different factors were considered such as possible iatrogenic dental injuries, loss, breakage or screw cover by oral mucosa and postoperative occlusion. RESULTS: The most important complication was iatrogenic damage to dental roots (1.5%), 4.9% of the screws were covered by oral mucosa and 1.9% were lost, while none were broken. Malocclusion was observed in one patient (1.6%) and lack of consolidation of a displaced fracture of the mandibular body in another patient. CONCLUSIONS: Use of intraoral cortical bone screws for intermaxillary fixation is a valid alternative to arch bars in the treatment of mandibular fractures. Iatrogenic injury to dental roots is the most important problem of this procedure, but can be minimized by an experienced surgeon.