Through a New Lens: Skin-Grafted Free Flaps and Objective Facial Skin Color Matching.

Background: Head and neck ablative surgery can impose aesthetic disfigurement, particularly when severe color mismatch exists between native and reconstructed facial skin. To date, the accuracy, objectivity, and modifiability of facial skin color matching remains poorly understood. Objective: To measure skin color match outcomes after head and neck reconstruction using handheld colorimetry. Methods: Patients undergoing complex head and neck reconstruction involving facial skin were included. A variety of skin paddle donor sites were studied, including split-thickness skin graft (STSG) placement over myocutaneous or adipofasciocutaneous free flaps after de-epithelization. Skin color match (deltaE) was measured during follow-up using a handheld colorimeter. Results: Forty-seven patients were included, with median age 69. The most common flap type was the anterolateral thigh (n = 31, 66%). Twenty patients underwent STSG to the skin paddle. DeltaE measurements among the patients with STSGs demonstrated better color match (lowest deltaE), compared with patients with unaltered skin paddles (3.4 ± 1.0 vs. 6.5 ± 2.5, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: We found the use of STSGs over de-epithelialized myogenous or adipofasciocutaneous flaps improves color match, as measured by handheld colorimetry.

Assessment of Variability in Free Flap Color Match to Facial Skin by Donor Site and Race.

OBJECTIVES: To use portable colorimetry to quantify color differences between facial skin and potential three head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) donor sites-radial forearm (RF), anterolateral thigh (ALT), and fibula (FF)-and compare these differences by pigmentation of the donor site skin and self-identified race. METHODS: In this cross-sectional cohort study, healthy volunteers consented to handheld colorimeter measurements at the three potential MFTT donor sites (RF, ALT, FF) to quantify color match to the facial skin using the CIE color space (DeltaE). The comparison of ipsilateral to contralateral cheek served as control for measurements. Cross-sectional measurements in healthy volunteers were then compared to measurements obtained in postoperative head and neck MFTT patients. RESULTS: DeltaE measurements were obtained for 128 healthy controls and 24 postoperative patients (N = 152). With increasing lightness (decreased pigmentation) of the skin at the donor site, the color match significantly worsened (higher DeltaE) across all potential MFTT donor sites (all p < 0.05). DeltaE from healthy controls closely approximated postoperative color match measurements in patients who underwent cervicofacial MFTT (DeltaE RF: 5.3 vs. 6.0, p = 0.432; DeltaE ALT: 6.2 vs. 6.4, p = 0.822; DeltaE FF: 6.0 vs. 6.4, p = 0.806). CONCLUSION: Patients with decreased skin pigmentation who are undergoing head and neck MFTT may experience worse color discrepancy between cervicofacial skin and the transferred skin paddle than those with more pigmented skin. Portable colorimetry may identify patients who could benefit from interventions such as dermis-resected free tissue reconstruction with skin grafting to improve postoperative appearance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3581-3586, 2024.

Increasing Pedicle Reach with Musculocutaneous Perforator Dissection in Anterolateral Thigh Free Flaps.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the increase in effective pedicle reach with microdissection of musculocutaneous perforators during anterolateral thigh (ALT) free tissue harvest. METHODS: A review of our institution's free flap database was performed to identify ALT free tissue transfers. The distance from pedicle vessel origin to its perforator's insertion at the fascia lata (effective pedicle length [EPL]) was measured prior to and following intramuscular dissection of musculocutaneous perforators. Pertinent clinicopathologic variables were abstracted from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: A total of 314 ALT free flaps were performed between February 2017 and August 2022. Of these, 85 had documentation of EPL before and after musculocutaneous perforator dissection. ALT reconstruction was primarily performed for reconstruction of oncologic ablative defects (66, 78%). The mean EPL prior to perforator microdissection was 8.8 cm (standard deviation, SD 2.8 cm; range 3-15 cm). Following perforator dissection, mean EPL significantly increased to 14.0 cm (SD 3.0 cm; range 7-22 cm) with a mean net gain of 5.2 cm in distance (95% confidence interval 4.8-5.6 cm; p < 0.001). Nine patients (11%) required operating room take-back for anastomosis revision (3, 3.5%), recipient site hematoma evacuation (4, 4.7%), and wound dehiscence (2, 2.3%); one complete flap loss due to venous thrombosis was observed. CONCLUSION: Dissection of musculocutaneous perforators during ALT free flap harvest can increase effective pedicle reach by 5.2 cm or nearly 60%. This harvest technique can facilitate the performance of tension-free anastomoses when substantial vascular pedicle length or vascular pedicle tunneling is required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:666-670, 2024.

The Impact of Venous Anastomosis Technique on Outcomes of Free Tissue Transfer to the Head and Neck.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of different techniques of microvascular venous anastomosis on the outcome of free tissue transfer to the head and neck. Methods: Retrospective case series of patients undergoing microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) from January 2006 to September 2021. Chi-square tests and t-tests were utilized to identify differences in flap outcomes by technique, and log-binomial regression analyses were utilized to identify differences in flap outcomes by technique. Results: A total of 1055 consecutive MFTTs were analyzed. One hundred four cases required a return to the operating room for any reason, and 19 were attributed to venous compromise (18.0%). Ultimately, there were 22 FTT failures requiring complete revision (2.1%). In total, 1055 MFTTs involved 1352 venous anastomoses, ranging from 1 to 3 anastomoses in each case. End-to-end (ETE) was used 1040 times (76.9%) and end-to-side (ETS) 204 times (15.0%). The calculated risk ratio for venous complication for ETS compared with ETE was 1.17 (0.34-3.98). A microvascular coupler was used in 355 cases (33.6%). The calculated risk ratio for coupler compared with suture anastomoses was 0.92 (0.35-2.39). Conclusions: There were no significant difference in regard to outcomes of MFTT when comparing ETE with ETS, nor when comparing coupler with suture anastomoses.

Ergonomic Assessment of Septorhinoplasty Maneuvers During Simulated Pregnancy.

Objective: Women represent an increasing proportion of the otolaryngology workforce. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are a little-studied yet important impediment to career completion. Scant attention has been directed to study the impact of pregnancy on surgeon posture and ergonomics. We piloted the use of a pregnancy simulation suit (Empathy Belly) to assess the risk of ergonomic compromise when performing open septorhinoplasty. Study Design: Surgical simulation. Setting: Single session, training simulation lab at academic medical center. Methods: Medical students and surgical residents performed the initial steps of a rhinoplasty procedure without and with a pregnancy simulation suit and were filmed with an artificial intelligence-based video analysis app from Kinetica Labs that calculates joint angles and categorizes the ergonomic risk factors. Still images from videos were taken and analyzed using validated posture-based analysis rubrics. Participants were asked to complete a qualitative questionnaire after the session. Results: Twelve medical students and surgical residents participated in the study. Posture-based analysis indicated increased ergonomics risk factors among trainees when performing a rhinoplasty while wearing the pregnancy suit. Video analysis indicated trends of worsening back angle and shoulder postures. Trainees reported experiencing pain in the neck, suprapubic area, and lower back. They acknowledged the importance of ergonomics in otolaryngology and desired further education about workplace injury risk mitigation. Conclusion: Pregnancy impacts the ergonomics of performing septorhinoplasty and further investigation is required into interventions to reduce risk of WRMSDs.

Postoperative inpatient surgical complications following head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer.

BACKGROUND: Complications following head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) are common. Less is known about when they occur. METHOD: Retrospective study of patients with primary or recurrent head and neck cancer undergoing MFTT reconstruction at a tertiary care institution. MFTT reconstructions with inpatient postoperative complications were included. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare median postoperative day (POD) onset of complication by flap type. RESULTS: Of 1090 patients undergoing MFTT reconstruction, 126 (11.6%) patients experienced inpatient complications including fibula (n = 35), anterolateral thigh (n = 60), or radial forearm (n = 31) MFTTs. POD onset was shortest for surgical site hematoma (median = 1 [IQR 1-5]), and longest for donor site infection (median = 11.5 [IQR 8-15]). There was no significant difference between flap types and POD onset of complications (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hematoma formation and flap failure occur earliest during hospitalization, while dehiscence, infection, and fistula occur later. There is no difference in complication timing between flap types.

Outcomes Associated with Multiple Free Tissue Transfers Performed in a Single Day.

Background: Although microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) remains technically challenging, surgeons may need to perform >1 MFTT operations in a given day. Objective: To compare MFTT outcomes in cases where surgeons completed one versus two flaps per day by measuring flap viability and complication rates. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of MFTT cases from January 2011 to February 2022 with >30-day follow-up. Outcomes, including flap survival and operating room takeback, were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 1096 patients meeting inclusion criteria (1105 flaps), there was a male predominance (n = 721, 66%). Mean age was 63.0 ± 14.4 years. Complications requiring takeback were identified in 108 flaps (9.8%) and were greatest for double flaps in the same patient (SP) (27.8%, p = 0.06). Flap failure occurred in 23 (2.1%) cases and was also greatest for double flaps in the SP (16.7%, p = 0.001). Takeback (p = 0.06) and failure (p = 0.70) rates were not different between days with one versus two unique patient flaps. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing MFTT, those treated on days in which surgeons perform two unique cases compared with single cases will demonstrate no difference in outcomes, as measured by flap survival and takeback, whereas patients with defects requiring multiple flaps will experience greater takeback and failure rates.

Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap Versus Thigh Split Thickness Skin Graft: Comparison of Morbidity in the First 30 Days.

Background: An anterior thigh split thickness skin graft (AT-STSG) is frequently needed to close the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor site, conferring morbidity to two extremities. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap is virtually always closed primarily. Objective: To compare donor site pain, sensation, motor function, and cosmesis associated with the AT-STSG and the ALT. Methods: Patients undergoing an ALT or an RFFF with AT-STSG were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study. Pain, tingling, numbness, lower extremity function, and subjective donor site cosmetic satisfaction were measured at 1 week and 1 month postoperation using validated instruments. Results: Forty-eight patients were included, with a mean age of 64.2 years (female 31.2%). There were no differences in age or medical comorbidities between the two groups. The average donor defect was 50 and 180 cm2 for the AT-STSG and ALT cohorts, respectively. At 1 week and 1 month postoperatively, we did not detect a difference in donor site pain, pruritus, numbness or tingling, lower extremity function, or subjective cosmetic satisfaction between the two cohorts. Conclusion: ALT primary donor site morbidity, including pain, sensory function, motor function, and cosmesis, is equivalent to RFFF secondary donor site morbidity at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively.

Restarting Therapeutic Antibiotics Following Postoperative Prophylaxis in Head and Neck Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with restarting therapeutic antibiotics within 30 days of head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (HN-MFTT). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of consecutive HN-MFTTs performed from January 2015 to July 2020. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. METHODS: Thirty-day postoperative antibiotic use and post-HN-MFTT surgical and medical complications were assessed. Univariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate risk factors associated with restarting antibiotics. RESULTS: overall 482 patients with 501 HN-MFTTs were stratified by duration of prophylaxis: ≤24 hours (n = 136, 27.1%), 25-72 hours (n = 54, 10.8%), and >72 hours (n = 311, 62.1%). Antibiotics were restarted in 199 patients (209 procedures, 42%). The most common indications for antibiotic reinitiation were flap recipient site infection (n = 59, 28%); hospital-acquired pneumonia (n = 44, 21%); and wound dehiscence, fluctuance, or change in quality of drain output (n = 44, 21%). Shorter antibiotic prophylaxis (≤24 hours) (odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0; P = .003), osteocutaneous flaps (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.3-3.4; P = .001), and prior immunotherapy/chemotherapy (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.2-4.3; P = .01) were associated with reinitiation of antibiotics for surgical infections. Restarting antimicrobials for nosocomial infections was associated with aerodigestive defects (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.1-5.2; P = .019), cardiovascular disease (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.5-5.9; P = .001), and medical comorbidities approximated by American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.5-5.4; P = .002). CONCLUSION: Aerodigestive reconstruction, 24-hour postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 and 4, prior chemotherapy/immunotherapy, cardiovascular disease, and osteocutaneous flaps are associated with reinitiation of antibiotics within 30 days of HN-MFTT.

Assessing the Prevalence of Burnout Among Female Microvascular Head and Neck Surgeons.

Background: Research has not explicitly explored differences between male and female microvascular head and neck (MHN) surgeon burnout, which should be identified and addressed to ensure career satisfaction and longevity. Objective: To measure and compare the prevalence of burnout among male versus female MHN surgeons. Methods: A prospective questionnaire based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was distributed through a web-based survey to the American Association of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and American Head and Neck Society in 2021 and 2022. Additional variables collected included demographics, relationship and parental status, academic rank, annual salary, and COVID-19-related questions. Results: One hundred thirteen surveys were collected. Twenty-nine (25.7%) were women and all completed MHN surgery fellowships. Women trended toward more emotional exhaustion than men (2.8 mean MBI vs. 2.3 mean MBI) but reported similar personal achievement (4.8 mean MBI vs. 4.9 mean MBI). Men experienced less workplace sexual harassment (p < 0.001). Women experienced more burnout (69% vs. 39%, p = 0.006) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Female MHN surgeons reported in this survey to experience more workplace sexual harassment and higher COVID-19-related burnout than their male counterparts.

Patterns of Postoperative Trismus Following Mandibulectomy and Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction.

The factors that contribute to postoperative trismus after mandibulectomy and fibula free flap reconstruction (FFFR) are undefined. We retrospectively assessed postoperative trismus (defined as a maximum interincisal opening ≤35 mm) in 106 patients undergoing mandibulectomy with FFFR, employing logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with this sequela. The surgical indication was primary ablation in 64%, salvage for recurrence in 24%, and osteonecrosis in 12%. Forty-five percent of patients had existing preoperative trismus, and 58% of patients received adjuvant radiation/chemoradiation following surgery. The overall rates of postoperative trismus were 76% in the early postoperative period (≤3 months after surgery) and 67% in the late postoperative period (>6 months after surgery). Late postoperative trismus occurred more frequently in patients with ramus-involving vs. ramus-preserving posterior mandibulotomies (82% vs. 46%, p = 0.004). A ramus-involving mandibulotomy was the only variable significantly associated with trismus >6 months postoperatively on multivariable logistic regression (OR, 7.94; 95% CI, 1.85−33.97; p = 0.005). This work demonstrates that trismus is common after mandibulectomy and FFFR, and suggests that posterior mandibulotomies that involve or remove the ramus may predispose to a higher risk of persistent postoperative trismus.

Smile Outcomes of an Externally Scarless, Intraoral Orthodromic Temporalis Tendon Transfer.

Background: Temporalis tendon transfer (TTT) often relies on external incisions in the nasolabial fold, temporal region, or both. Herein, we studied smile outcomes of a TTT technique via a single intraoral incision without external skin incisions. Objective: To measure the difference in static perioral positions before and after intraoral TTT. Methods: Five patients underwent an externally scarless TTT technique via an intraoral approach. Iris measurements were used to estimate pixel-to-millimeter conversion for facial analysis of vertical and horizontal oral commissure excursion vectors using the JAVA-based program Facegram version 1.0 (Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary). Results: After surgery, mean vertical height on the affected side significantly increased from 3.4 mm to a postoperative value of 20.6 mm, p = 0.016. There was no difference in horizontal smile excursion after surgery (35.7 mm vs. 32.2 mm, p = 0.37). Smile angle difference between affected and healthy smile (Δα) reduced from 27.0° preoperative to 3.5°, representing a decrease in facial asymmetry (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Intraoral, externally scarless TTT is an effective option for dynamic facial reanimation, obviating external incisions in select patients.

Objective Outcomes of Trichophytic Brow Lift and Hairline Advancement in Facial Feminization Surgery.

Importance: The upper facial third is an important area to address in facial feminization surgery (FFS). Objective: This study seeks to quantify the changes in eyebrow, hairline, and forehead heights associated with brow lift and hairline advancement surgery in the transgender patient population. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cohort study performed at an academic medical center. Main Outcomes and Measures: Pre- and postoperative frontal view photographs underwent computer-aided photograph analysis. Brow position, hairline position, and forehead height were measured. Patient self-identified race, ethnicity, as well as other demographic factors were also collected. Results: Forty-six patients underwent FFS with brow lift and hairline advancement with photographs permitting measurement. Eyebrow analysis was performed in 33 patients. Hairline and forehead analyses were accomplished in 30 patients. The mean brow elevation was 4.6 mm across all locations. The forehead reduction achieved was 9.8-11.3 mm. Conclusion and Relevance: Trichophytic brow lifting with hairline advancement outcomes was able to be reliably quantified from standardized clinical photographs. On average, 4-5 mm of brow lift, 6-7 mm of hairline lowering, and 10-11 mm of forehead reduction were achieved, contributing to a more feminine appearance of the upper facial third.

Effect of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres on anterolateral thigh free flap donor site complications.

Background: Postoperative seroma is the most common donor site complication following anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap harvest for head and neck reconstruction. The utility of novel microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH) has not been studied as a hemostatic agent in this setting. Methods: Prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing fasciocutaneous ALT harvest for head and neck reconstruction at a tertiary academic medical center between April 2018 and February 2020. The intervention (MPH) group received 3 g of topical MPH to the ALT donor site prior to closure whereas the control group did not receive application of MPH. Outcomes included total drain output (ml), drain output during postoperative days (POD) 1-3 alone, drain duration (days), and incidence of donor site hematoma, seroma, or infection. Results: Twenty-nine patients were randomized to the MPH group and 26 to the control group. For MPH and control groups, mean total drain output was 284.7 ± 153.0 ml versus 317.9 ± 177.6 ml (p = .527), mean POD 1-3 drain output alone was 169.3 ± 88.8 ml versus 157.9 ± 78.7 ml (p = .749), and drain duration was 5.9 ± 1.5 days versus 6.5 ± 1.6 days (p = .144), respectively. There was no significant difference in seroma (p = .733), hematoma (p = .492), or infection (p = 1.000). Drain output was not significantly influenced by gender, age, body weight, or smoking habits. Conclusion: MPH administration to ALT free flap donor sites did not significantly improve drain output, hematoma formation, or seroma formation.Level of Evidence 2.

Utility of Microporous Polysaccharide Hemosphere on Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap Donor Site Complications.

Background: Anterolateral thigh (ALT) microvascular free tissue transfer is an integral part of head and neck reconstructive surgery, but it can be complicated by postoperative donor site fluid collections. Objective: To measure the rate of hematoma and seroma formation in the ALT donor site in those treated with microporous polysaccharide hemosphere (MPH) and those without. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study examining patients undergoing ALT free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction at a single academic center between 2014 and 2017. Primary outcomes were interventional hematomas and seromas and drain duration. Results: In total, 118 patients underwent ALT free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects. Of these, 57 patients received MPH at the donor site and 61 did not. Eleven patients had a clinically significant seroma in the non-MPH group compared with three in the MPH group (p = 0.045). Drain duration for the MPH group compared with that for the non-MPH group was 6.9 versus 8.2 days (p = 0.020), and drains were removed when output was <60 mL over 24 h. Conclusion: This study supports the use of MPH in ALT free flap donor sites for reduction of clinically significant postoperative seromas. Further investigation with larger prospective randomized clinical trials is warranted.

Skin Color Match in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To quantify the degree of color match achieved during microvascular facial reconstruction, and to describe a novel technique for improving reconstructive skin color match. We hypothesize that split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) placed atop de-epithelialized free tissue produces better facial skin color match than free tissue with intact epithelium. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional photographic study of reconstructed facial skin color match. METHODS: Sixty-eight adults, who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery, were divided into six categories based on cutaneous reconstructive technique: cervicofacial flap, radial forearm free flap (RFFF), fibula free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap (ALT), STSG over adiopofascial flap (STAFF), and STSG over myogenous flap (STMF). Averaged color samplings of the reconstructed defect and adjacent normal skin were taken from digital photographs. The color difference was calculated using the delta-E calculation. Blinded expert observers also rated the degree of color match. Nonparametric cohort contrast and correlation statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The mean delta-E's and 10-point Likert ratings for the ALT, fibula, RFFF, STAFF, STMF, and cervicofacial flaps were 11.6, 10.0, 7.7, 6.3, 8.8, and 4.7, and 5.1, 6.4, 2.4, 3.2, 2.7, and 1.1, respectively. Likert scale inter-rater correlation was strong, with coefficient = 0.80. CONCLUSIONS: On average, STSG over de-epithelialized myogenous and adipofascial free tissue transfers produced a better color match than the skin paddles of donor sites, with the exception of the radial forearm donor site. Delta-E values obtained from photos correlated well with expert ratings of color match. This reliable technique for quantifying color match may be used in future studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1753-1759, 2022.

Risk Factors for and Cost Implications of Free Flap Take-backs: A Single Institution Review.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: For patients undergoing microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT), we evaluated risk factors and financial implications of operating room (OR) take-back procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review at a tertiary care center. METHODS: Patients who underwent MFTT for head and neck reconstruction from 2011 to 2018 were identified. We compared hospital length of stay and overall costs associated with OR take-back procedures. Multivariable regression analysis evaluated factors associated with OR take-backs during the same hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 727 free flaps were reviewed, and 70 OR take-backs (9.6%) were identified. Mean total length of stay (LOS) in the ICU was 3.4 days versus 6.7 days for non-take-back and take-back flaps, respectively (P < .001). Mean total LOS on the regular floor was 6.3 days versus 13.1 days, respectively (P < .001). This resulted in a cost differential of $33,507 (94.3% increase relative to non-take-back flaps). The total cost associated with an OR take-back was $39,786. Hematomas were the most common cause of take-backs and wound dehiscence was associated with the highest costs. On multivariable analysis, higher ASA class (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.11-3.99; P = .026) and shorter ischemia times (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.95; P = .030) were independently associated with increased risk of take-backs. CONCLUSIONS: OR take-backs infrequently occur but are associated with a significant increase in financial burden when compared to free flap cases not requiring OR take-back. The large majority of the cost differential lies in a substantial increase of ICU and floor LOS for take-back flaps when compared to non-take-back flaps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1821-E1829, 2021.

Temporalis Tendon Transfer/Lengthening Temporalis Myoplasty for Midfacial Static and Dynamic Reanimation After Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery.

Importance: Facial nerve paralysis is an unfortunate, yet relatively common sequela in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Static options for reanimation of the paralyzed midface and oral commissure offer limited quality-of-life improvement and may stretch over time. Reinnervation offers a prolonged recovery and may not be possible among patients with advanced cancer or in salvage situations. Objective: To determine the improvement in resting tone and dynamic excursion gained by use of temporalis tendon transfer (TTT) and lengthening temporalis myoplasty (LTM) for facial nerve reanimation among patients undergoing oncologic head and neck cancer surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants: We present the largest series of primary and secondary TTT operations with prolonged photographic and video-based data with analysis enabled by FaceGram open-source quantitative methodology. This was achieved using preoperative and postoperative digital photographs of each patient at rest and full smile excursion. Using the JAVA-based program Facegram v1.0, measurements were taken of the oral commissure in relation to a line tangent to the inferior border of the lower lip. All operations were performed at the University of California, San Francisco, following oncologic resections between April 2011 and June 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Quantitative analysis of facial measurement with Facegram. Results: Of the 32 patients in our series, 19 (59.4%) were male and 13 (40.6%) were female. The average age was 71.3 ± 10 years. There was a mean 4.89 mm (p < 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.78-6.99) increase in height of affected side oral commissure compared with preoperative measurements during full smile excursion, and a 3.05 mm (p < 0.04, 95% CI: 0.22-5.87) increase in horizontal excursion of smile vector. There was also a significant increase in static support at rest, measuring an average of 5.45 mm (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 2.56-8.33) and 2.71 mm (p < 0.04, 95% CI: 0.18-5.25) increase in affected oral commissure vertical and horizontal positions at rest, respectively. The average postoperative follow-up was 11.4 months (95% CI: 5.6-14.11). In addition, when compared with patients treated with postoperative radiation therapy (9 patients), those who received preoperative radiation (15 patients) had a significant improvement in the resting vertical height of the affected side (mean 5.32 mm (p < 0.05, 95% CI: 0.06-10.57)). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings encourage the use of TTT/LTM for facial nerve paralysis in appropriately selected head and neck oncologic patients.

Patient-Reported Aesthetic and Psychosocial Outcomes After Microvascular Reconstruction for Head and Neck Cancer.

Importance: Aesthetic outcomes are key determinants of psychosocial functioning among surgically treated patients with head and neck cancer (HNC); however, long-term aesthetic outcomes after microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) are not well described. Objective: To examine risk factors for impaired long-term aesthetic satisfaction and appearance-related psychosocial functioning after HNC ablation with MFTT. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted at an academic tertiary care center. A total of 228 individuals who underwent MFTT between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, for treatment of HNC were included. The study was conducted from November 1, 2020, through January 15, 2021. Exposures: Head and neck cancer ablation with MFTT. Main Outcomes and Measures: Patient-reported outcomes were assessed via Aesthetic FACE-Q scales. The primary objective was aesthetic satisfaction determined by the Satisfaction With Facial Appearance scale. Secondarily, the Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress, Psychological Function, and Social Function scales were used to assess appearance-related psychosocial functioning. Patients were stratified by demographic, disease, surgical, and postoperative characteristics. Survey scores on a 100-point scale were compared and subjected to univariable and multivariable linear regression. Results: A total of 124 of 228 patients (54.4%) completed surveys a median of 34.4 months after MFTT (interquartile range, 22.6-48.8). Most responders (79 [63.7%]) were men with advanced cancer of the oral cavity or skin, reconstructed with anterolateral thigh or osteocutaneous fibula free flaps. Nonresponders had no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The Satisfaction With Facial Appearance score was independently lower among patients who received osteocutaneous flaps (regression coefficient, -10.6 points, 95% CI, -20.4 to -0.8 points) and/or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (regression coefficient, -6.9 points; 95% CI, -13.8 to -0.1 points). Impaired appearance-related psychosocial functioning was independently associated with female sex, a history of anxiety or depression, osteocutaneous flaps, prolonged tube feeding requirements, and any recurrent or persistent disease. After adjustment for covariates, each 1-point increase in the Satisfaction With Facial Appearance score independently estimated improved appearance-related psychosocial functioning as determined by the Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress scale (regression coefficient, -0.5 points; 95% CI, -0.7 to -0.4 points), Psychological Function scale (regression coefficient, 0.4 points; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.5 points), and Social Function scale (regression coefficient, 0.4 points; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.6 points). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cross-sectional, web-based survey study suggest that osteocutaneous reconstruction and adjuvant therapy independently increase the risk of poor patient-reported long-term aesthetic satisfaction, which correlated with impaired appearance-related psychosocial functioning. Aesthetic outcomes appear to be a priority to address in patients with HNC undergoing MFTT.

Head and neck surgery during the coronavirus-19 pandemic: The University of California San Francisco experience.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines regarding head and neck surgical care have evolved during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data on operative management have been limited. METHODS: We compared two cohorts of patients undergoing head and neck or reconstructive surgery between March 16, 2019 and April 16, 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and March 16, 2020 and April 16, 2020 (COVID-19) at an academic center. Perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: There were 63 operations during COVID-19 and 84 operations during pre-COVID-19. During COVID-19, a smaller proportion of patients had benign pathology (12% vs 20%, respectively) and underwent thyroid procedures (2% vs 23%) while a greater proportion of patients underwent microvascular reconstruction±ablation (24% vs 12%,). Operative times increased, especially among patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction±ablation (687 ± 112 vs 596 ± 91 minutes, P = .04). Complication rates and length of stay were similar. CONCLUSIONS: During COVID-19, perioperative outcomes were similar, operative time increased, and there were no recorded transmissions to staff or patients. Continued surgical management of head and neck cancer patients can be provided safely.