Optimization of Vascular Supply in Free Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction: Analysis of a Young Team's Experience.

Background: For head and neck reconstructive procedures, free flap survival depends on microsurgical and anatomical choices besides multimodal clinical management. The aim of the present study is to identify relevant variables for flap survival in our initial consecutive series. Methods: A single-center, novel reconstructive team consecutive surgical series was revised. The outcome was analyzed in terms of flap survival observing variables considered more relevant: flap type, recipient artery, vein(s), and graft interposition were discussed for facial thirds to be reconstructed. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Odds ratio. Results: A total of 118 free flaps were performed in 115 microsurgical procedures (93.9% for malignancies) on 109 patients, with a flap survival rate of 91.5%. For reconstruction of the middle and lower third of the face, the facial artery was privileged, because it was already transected during lymph node dissection in order to save the superior thyroid artery for further microsurgical needs. Flap failure was 50% venous. Double vein anastomosis was not related to flap survival. Deep venous drainage (as the internal jugular vein system) required fewer revisions. Half of the re-explorations saved the flap. Grafts were a risk for flap survival. Bony flaps were more critical. Conclusion: At comparable reconstructive quality, flap choice should avoid a vascular graft. The facial artery is a preferable recipient vessel, since it saves other arteries both in the case of an arterial revision and in the case of recurrence, for further free flap reconstruction. For venous anastomosis, a deep venous recipient is safer, since it offers the possibility to choose the level of anastomosis optimizing the vascular pedicle geometry. A close postsurgical flap monitoring is advisable up to 7 days postoperatively to allow for timely flap salvage.

Microsurgical Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Complex Nasal and Midfacial Defect: Multistep Procedure Respecting Aesthetic Unit Criteria.

ABSTRACT: Extended tumor resection in the middle third of the face leads to complex defects: wide, 3-dimensional, and multitissutal. Appropriate reconstruction is challenging but mandatory to obtain a functional and aesthetic outcome for the preservation of an acceptable quality of life. Three-dimensional combined flaps and multistep procedures concur to reach this scope.This is exemplified on the treatment of an invasive recurrent skin malignancy involving the cheek and maxillary bone in association with a full-thickness nasal defect. Reconstruction was performed with 3-dimensional multifolded anterolateral tigh chimeric flap, followed by multistep procedure respecting the aesthetic nasal reconstruction guidelines. Reconstructive surgery had the following targets: targets: rebuilding the oral and nasal lining, filling the paranasal cavities, covering the facial skin defect respecting the aesthetic unit concept and providing a proper support to the facial structures.The aesthetic unit concept has to be respected throughout all steps, from tumor debulking, to reconstruction and even for the management of complications.

Facial Artery Arteriovenous Malformation Endovascular and Surgical Treatment: Liquid Embolic Device an Advantage for Both Technique.

Facial ArterioVenous Malformations (AVM) are rare lesions and present great difficulty in their diagnosis and treatment. We report a case of a 24-year-old male who has been diagnosed a right facial AVM that underwent endovascular embolization with a liquid embolic device and consequently surgical resection. The type of liquid embolic device used has given advantage for both treatment techniques.

Subcranial Le Fort III Advancement with Equine-Derived Bone Grafts to Correct Syndromic Midfacial Hypoplasia: A Case Report.

Patients with hypoplasia of the midface normally present a flattening of their facial profile due to insufficient development of the nose and maxilla. Treatment aimed to restore function and an aesthetic appearance calls for a Le Fort III osteotomy and the advancement of the midfacial segment either through distraction or interposition of autogenous bone blocks. However, drawbacks in using autogenous bone suggest that use of alternative graft material may be advisable. The present report describes a Le Fort III advancement using two enzyme-treated equine cancellous bone blocks to correct syndromic midfacial hypoplasia in a 22-year-old patient. A 12-mm surgical advancement was achieved, improving the patient's facial profile. At the 28-month follow-up, the midface advanced position was stable. Equine bone blocks could be a valid alternative to autogenous bone in Le Fort III midface advancement.