Bidirectional pressure-induced penetrating necrotizing compartment syndrome in the forearm and surgical reconstruction using a two-lobed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in nonfunctional hand scenarios: a report of two cases.

This report describes two similar cases in which the distal forearm was compressed between the rib cage and floor for a prolonged period owing to immobility, resulting in severe compartment syndrome and extensive penetrating necrosis in the forearm. The cases were a 59-year-old man with cervical spondylolisthesis and a 65-year-old man suspected of having Parkinson's disease. A distinctive necrotic pattern characterized by necrosis in the volar and dorsal compartments, preservation of the lateral compartment, and retention of the radial artery was commonly observed in both cases. Despite the anticipated nonfunctional outcome of the salvaged limb, a two-lobed free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap transfer with interposition of the thoracodorsal nerve in the median nerve defect was performed in both cases. Although the salvaged limbs were nonfunctional, the patients were able to use it for activities such as getting up and other daily tasks.

Intra-flap recurrence of an oral squamous cell carcinoma after curative resection and reconstruction with a free flap.

Intra-flap recurrence after reconstruction is a possible complication in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) after curative resection and reconstruction with a free flap. Abstract: This case report describes an intra-flap recurrence after tumor resection and reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap due to OSCC. We report a 58-year-old female patient who underwent curative resection of a squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity and submental area and reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi free flap. Thirteen months after the operation, the patient presented with lung metastases and, 22 months after the operation, a metastatic lesion in the flap's central area with no sign of recurrence in the primary resection site occurred. The patient died 25 months after the initial operation due to the rapid progression of the disease and further distant metastases. To our knowledge, similar cases do not exist in the literature. This is the first reported case of intra-flap metastasis after surgical treatment of OSCC.

Free Flap Perfusion in Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction: Influence of the Number of Ischemia Intervals and Ischemia Duration-A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: In microvascular head and neck reconstruction, ischemia of the free flap tissue is inevitable during microsurgical anastomosis and may affect microvascular free flap perfusion, which is a prerequisite for flap viability and a parameter commonly used for flap monitoring. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the number of ischemia intervals and ischemia duration on flap perfusion. METHODS: Intraoperative and postoperative flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation at 2 and 8 mm tissue depths, as measured with the O2C tissue oxygen analysis system, were retrospectively analyzed for 330 patients who underwent microvascular head and neck reconstruction between 2011 and 2020. Perfusion values were compared between patients without (control patients) and with a second ischemia interval (early or late) and examined with regard to ischemia duration. RESULTS: Intraoperative and postoperative flap blood flow at 8 mm tissue depth were lower in patients with early second ischemia intervals than in control patients [102.0 arbitrary units (AU) vs 122.0 AU, P = .030; 107.0 AU vs 128.0 AU, P = .023]. Both differences persisted in multivariable analysis. Intraoperative and postoperative flap blood flow at 8 mm tissue depth correlated weakly negatively with ischemia duration in control patients (r = -.145, P = .020; r = -.124, P = .048). Both associations did not persist in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The observed decrease in microvascular flap blood flow after early second ischemia intervals may reflect ischemia-related vascular flap tissue damage and should be considered as a confounding variable in flap perfusion monitoring.

Maxillary and total nasal reconstruction with a scapulo dorsal perforator flap.

Facial gunshots injuries remain challenging and present functional and aesthetic problems. Such defects generally require composite tissue flaps for reconstruction. Rebuilding the palate and the maxilla is especially delicate because it requires reconstitution of the facial buttresses, and replacement of bony hard palate, based on occlusion, as well as the restoration of the thin intraoral and intranasal lining which normally constitute the soft palate. Various methods of reconstruction have been applied to this area in search of an ideal soft tissue and bone flap to restore the bony framework of the maxilla and palate while providing an internal lining. The scapula dorsal perforator flap is used in the case of a patient to successfully reconstruct the palate, the maxilla and the nasal pyramid in one stage. Free tissue transfer using thoracodorsal perforator flaps and scapula bone free flap have been already described in literature but never to perform the nasal pyramid reconstruction at the same time. Good functional and aesthetic results have been obtained in this case. This article also reviews, through the authors experience and literature, anatomical landmarks, indications, technical surgical tricks, advantages and disadvantages of this flap for palatal, maxillary and nose reconstruction.

Reconstruction of Total Maxillectomy Defects Using Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap, Titanium Mesh, and Free Flap.

The maxilla plays a crucial role in maintaining midfacial contour, supporting the globe and dentition and separating the oral and nasal cavity. Reconstruction of total maxillectomy defects has always been a challenge in head and neck surgery. In recent years, on the basis of existing methods, we have used the coronoid-temporalis pedicled flap combined with personalized titanium mesh and free flap to reconstruct total maxillectomy defects. This combination of multiple methods can restore the functional subunits of the maxilla. In this report, we introduce our surgical procedures in detail and assess the postoperative effects. Postoperative facial aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory in all 8 patients. None of the patients showed diplopia, oral-nasal reflux, hypernasality, titanium mesh exposure, or trismus. This new surgical procedure may be a simple and feasible option for the reconstruction of total maxillectomy defects.

Early swallowing training after free flap surgery in oral cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of early swallowing training on postoperative outcomes of patients who had undergone oral cancer surgery plus free flap reconstruction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 121 patients who had undergone oral cancer surgery plus free flap reconstruction were randomly assigned to the control (n = 59) or intervention group (n = 62). The control group underwent routine nursing measures. The intervention group received swallowing training on the sixth postoperative day. On the 15th day and 1 month after surgery, the swallowing function (Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability-Oral Cancer [MASA-OC] score), weight loss rate, time of nasogastric tube removal, and quality of life were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients in the intervention group had higher MASA-OC scores and better weight loss rates than those in the control group on the 15th day (MASA-OC: p = 0.014, weight loss: p < 0.001) and 1 month (both p < 0.001) after surgery. The time of nasogastric tube removal and the quality of life was statistically significant between groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Early swallowing training improves the swallowing function, nutritional status, and quality of life and shortens the indwelling time of nasogastric tube of patients who have undergone oral cancer surgery plus free flap reconstruction.

Uncovering the unique characteristics of the mandible to improve clinical approaches to mandibular regeneration.

The mandible (lower jaw) bone is aesthetically responsible for shaping the lower face, physiologically in charge of the masticatory movements, and phonetically accountable for the articulation of different phonemes. Thus, pathologies that result in great damage to the mandible severely impact the lives of patients. Mandibular reconstruction techniques are mainly based on the use of flaps, most notably free vascularized fibula flaps. However, the mandible is a craniofacial bone with unique characteristics. Its morphogenesis, morphology, physiology, biomechanics, genetic profile, and osteoimmune environment are different from any other non-craniofacial bone. This fact is especially important to consider during mandibular reconstruction, as all these differences result in unique clinical traits of the mandible that can impact the results of jaw reconstructions. Furthermore, overall changes in the mandible and the flap post-reconstruction may be dissimilar, and the replacement process of the bone graft tissue during healing can take years, which in some cases can result in postsurgical complications. Therefore, the present review highlights the uniqueness of the jaw and how this factor can influence the outcome of its reconstruction while using an exemplary clinical case of pseudoarthrosis in a free vascularized fibula flap.

A Preliminary Experience of Endoscopic Total Mastectomy With Immediate Free Abdominal-Based Perforator Flap Reconstruction Using Minimal Incisions, and Literature Review.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic total mastectomy (ETM) is predominantly performed with reconstruction using prostheses, lipofilling, omental flaps, latissimus dorsi flaps, or a combination of these techniques. Common approaches include minimal incisions, e.g., periareolar, inframammary, axillary, or mid-axillary line, which limit the technical ability to perform autologous flap insets and microvascular anastomoses, as such the ETM with free abdominal-based perforator flap reconstruction has not been robustly explored. METHODS: We studied female patients with breast cancer who underwent ETM and abdominal-based flap reconstruction. Clinical-radiological-pathological characteristics, surgery, complications, recurrence rates, and aesthetic outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent ETM with abdominal-based flap reconstruction. The mean age was 53.4 years (range 36-65). Of the patients, 33.3% were surgically treated for stage I, 58.4% for stage II, and 8.3% for stage III cancer. Mean tumor size was 35.4 mm (range 1-67). Mean specimen weight was 458.75 g (range 242-800). Of the patients, 92.3% successfully received endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy and 7.7% underwent intraoperative conversion to skin-sparing mastectomy after carcinoma was reported on frozen section of the nipple base. Mean operative time for ETM was 139 minutes (92-198), and the average ischemic time was 37.3 minutes (range 22-50). Fifty percent of patients underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator, 33.4% underwent MS-2 transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM), 8.3% underwent MS-1 TRAM, and 8.3% underwent pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. No cases required re-exploration, no flap failure occurred, margins were clear, and no skin or nipple-areolar complex ischemia/necrosis developed. In the aesthetic outcome evaluation, 16.7% were excellent, 75% good, 8.3% fair, and none were unsatisfactory. No recurrences were observed. CONCLUSION: ETM through a minimal-access inferior mammary or mid-axillary line approach, followed by immediate pedicled TRAM or free abdominal-based perforator flap reconstruction, can be a safe means of achieving an "aesthetically scarless" mastectomy and reconstruction through minimal incisions.

How do i salvage that flap?; An evidence-based primer on salvage techniques for head & neck microvascular free flaps.

Interventional strategies for dealing with microvascular free flap failure are varied among institutions and even individual surgeons. This systematic review aims to identify the published methods for salvaging a failing free flap and provide surgeons with a comprehensive toolset for successful intervention. A title and abstract search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed. 1694 abstracts were screened by three reviewers according to Prisma guidelines. 62 full text articles meeting inclusion criteria detailed techniques which were separated into the categories of thrombectomy, thrombolysis, leech therapy, vascular fistula, and an "other" category outlining techniques which did not fit into the prior framework. Assessment of the efficacy of individual salvage techniques is limited due to limited empirical data, however, the approach to successful salvage should be based on timely identification of flap compromise, followed by the implementation of one or several of the aforementioned techniques.

Post-operative Monitoring for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction in the Era of Resident Duty Hour Restrictions: A Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing 2 Monitoring Protocols.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether 2 different methods of post-operative head and neck free flap monitoring affect flap failure and complication rates. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 803 free flaps performed for head and neck reconstruction by the same microvascular surgeon between July 2013 and July 2020 at 2 separate hospitals within the same healthcare system. Four-hundred ten free flaps (51%) were performed at Hospital A, a medical center where flap checks were performed at frequent, scheduled intervals by in-house resident physicians and nurses; 393 free flaps (49%) were performed at Hospital B, a medical center where flap checks were performed regularly by nursing staff with resident physician evaluation as needed. Total free flap failure, partial free flap failure, and complications (consisting of wound infection, fistula, and reoperation within 1 month) were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between Hospitals A and B when comparing rates of total free flap failure, partial free flap failure, complication, or re-operation (P = .27, P = .66, P = .65, P = .29, respectively). There were no significant differences in urgent re-operation rates for flap compromise secondary to thrombosis and hematoma (P = .54). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, free flap outcomes did not vary based on the degree of flap monitoring by resident physicians. This data supports the ability of a high-volume, well-trained, nursing-led flap monitoring program to detect flap compromise in an efficient fashion while limiting resident physician obligations in the age of resident duty hour restrictions.

Timing of Oral Feeding in Patients Who have Undergone Free Flap Reconstruction for Oral Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the safety and effectiveness of a nasogastric tube removal plan designed to shorten nasogastric tube indwelling time after oral cancer surgery plus free flap reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted from May 2021 to December 2021 at Peking University School of Stomatology. Volunteers (n = 128) were separated into four groups: non-tracheostomy control and intervention groups and tracheostomy control and intervention groups. Control patients received the conventional nasogastric tube removal plan. Non-tracheotomy intervention patients were asked to swallow 5 ml of water on the first postoperative day. If there was no coughing, they were allowed progressively increasing amounts of water for the following 2 days. The nasogastric tube was removed only after ensuring level I/II performance on the Watian water swallowing test, no "wet voice" after drinking water, no marked decrease in blood oxygen saturation after drinking, and satisfactory daily oral nutritional intake. Tracheotomy intervention patients received the same protocol plus an additional Watian water swallowing test after tracheal tube removal. RESULTS: Nasogastric tube removal time was earlier in the intervention subgroups than in control subgroups: 5.0 ± 2.3 days versus 7.8 ± 3.9 days (p = 0.001) in non-tracheostomy patients and 9.8 ± 1.1 days versus 16.2 ± 13.0 days (p = 0.049) in tracheostomy patients. Incidence of wound complications and daily food intake were comparable between the groups. The incidence of pneumonia was lower in the tracheostomy intervention group than in the tracheostomy control group (12.5% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.162). Pharyngeal pain score was lower in tracheotomy intervention patients than in tracheotomy control patients (p = 0.029). Postoperative hospital stay was shorter in tracheotomy intervention patients than in tracheotomy control patients (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of ensuring safety and effectiveness, patients undergone free flap reconstruction for oral cancer could be offered oral intake early after surgery, which will not increase the incidence of wound complications and pneumonia or adversely affecting the oral intake of the patients; it can also help minimize pharyngeal pain and shorten postoperative hospital stay of patients with a tracheotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 133:1382-1387, 2023.

Utility of a palatal speech appliance combined with the five-point eight-line segment technique in total tongue reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to explore a new total tongue reconstruction strategy based on the five-point eight-line segment (FIPELS) technique and a palatal speech appliance, and to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes. Twenty patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma were included in this study. All patients underwent total tongue resection followed by tongue reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh flap. The patients were divided randomly into two groups according to the reconstruction strategy: FIPELS group (10 patients) and traditional flap design group (10 patients). All 10 patients in the FIPELS group received a palatal speech appliance 1 month after the surgery. A Likert scale was used to assess swallowing function, speech articulation, and the aesthetic outcome of the reconstructed tongue in the traditional and FIPELS (with and without the palatal speech appliance) groups. Compared with the traditional group, swallowing function (1 month, P = 0.016; 3 months, P = 0.021) and the aesthetic outcome (1 month, P = 0.016; 3 months, P = 0.020) were significantly better in the FIPELS group (without the palatal speech appliance); however, there was no significant difference in speech articulation (1 month, P = 0.549; 3 months, P = 0.513). Within the FIPELS group, significantly better speech articulation was obtained with the palatal speech appliance than without it (1 month, P = 0.031; 3 months, P = 0.015).

Division of a single free flap in multiple digit reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Single free flaps are a commonly used reconstructive method for multiple soft tissue defects in digits. We analyzed the flap size, division timing, and degree of necrosis in cases with various types of flap division. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical charts of patients who had undergone single free flap reconstruction for multiple soft tissue defects across their digits from 2011 to 2020. The flap types included were the lateral arm free flap, venous forearm free flap, thenar free flap, hypothenar free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap, medial plantar free flap, and second toe pulp free flap. Flap size, anastomosed vessels, division timing, and occurrence of flap necrosis were retrospectively investigated and then analyzed using the t-test. RESULTS: In total, 75 patients were included in the analysis. The success rate of the free flaps was 97.3%. All flaps were successfully divided after at least 17 days, with a mean of 47.17 days (range, 17-243 days) for large flaps and 42.81 days (range, 20-130 days) for the medium and small flaps (P=0.596). The mean area of flap necrosis was 2.38% in the large flaps and 2.58% in the medium and small flaps (P=0.935). Severe necrosis of the divided flap developed in two patients who had undergone flap division at week 6 and week 34. CONCLUSIONS: In cases where blood flow to the flap has been stable for more than 3 weeks, flap division can be safely attempted regardless of the flap size.

Objective photographic assessments and comparisons of immediate bilateral breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps and implants.

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of bilateral breast cancer patients has been accompanied by a growing need for bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. However, little research has investigated the complications and aesthetic outcomes related to bilateral reconstruction. Therefore, we analyzed retrospective data comparing the outcomes of bilateral reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps or implants. METHODS: This study included 52 patients (24 DIEP group and 28 implant group) who underwent bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction between 2010 and 2020. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and complications were recorded. The difference between the left and right position of the nipple-areolar complex with respect to the sternal notch point at the clavicle was measured, and breast symmetry was evaluated. RESULTS: The average weight of breasts reconstructed with DIEP flaps (417.43±152.50 g) was higher than that of breasts with implants. The hospitalization period and operation time were significantly longer in the DIEP group. Early complications were significantly more common in the implant group (36.53%) than in the DIEP group. The angles between the nipples and the horizontal line were 1.09°±0.71° and 1.75°±1.45° in the DIEP and implant groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the surgical burden is lower, breast reconstruction using implants requires greater attention with respect to implant positioning, asymmetry, and complications than DIEP flap reconstruction. DIEP flap reconstruction has a prolonged operation time and a high risk of flap failure, but yields excellent cosmetic results and does not require intensive follow-up. Patients should be consulted to determine the most suitable option for them.

Sequential treatment from mandibulectomy to reconstruction on mandibular oral cancer - Case review II: mandibular anterior and the floor of the mouth lesion of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and clear cell odontogenic carcinoma.

Preoperative patient analysis for oral cancer involves multiple considerations that are based on multiple factors; these include TNM stages, histopathologic findings, and adjacent anatomical structures. Once the decision is made to excise the lesion, the margin of dissection and its extent should be considered along with the best form of reconstruction and airway management. Treatment methods include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Although the combined method of treatment is controversial, surgical resection is considered predominantly, and immediate reconstruction after surgical resection follows. The choice of treatment is dictated by the anticipated functional and esthetic results of treatment and also by the availability of a surgeon with the required expertise. Segmental mandibulectomy with primary reconstruction has been shown to have advantages in both functional and esthetic results. A 52-year-old male patient with basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth, and the anterior portion of the mandible was treated with surgical procedures that included segmental mandibulectomy with both supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) at Levels I-III and mandible reconstruction with a left fibula free flap. A 55-year-old male patient with clear cell odontogenic carcinoma of the oral cavity underwent segmental mandibulectomy with both SOHND at Levels I-III and mandible reconstruction with a left fibula free flap. The purpose of this study was to review the anatomic and functional results of patients after immediate reconstruction with a fibula free flap following resection of carcinoma in the anterior portion of the mandible and floor of the mouth.

Comparison of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and implantable Doppler in the monitoring of a vascularised fibular free flap for reconstruction of the mandible.

Monitoring of microvascular free flaps is an influencing factor in the success or failure of the treatment. In this study, we aim to compare the accuracy of implantable Doppler and scintigraphy in the monitoring of a vascularised buried fibular graft for reconstruction of the mandible. In a prospective cohort study, an implantable Doppler was placed intraoperatively, and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) was taken in patients when abnormal blood flow was detected via the implantable Doppler or 48 hours after operations in patients with normal signals on the Doppler. The flaps were explored if patients did not have regular signals via implantable Doppler or if SPECT revealed impaired perfusion. The number of true- and false-positive cases and true- and false-negative cases were documented. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Eighteen (29%) of 62 patients underwent explorative surgery. The sensitivity of SPECT was 38.88%, and specificity was 97.72%. In SPECT, PPV was 87.50% and NPV 79.62%. The sensitivity of the implantable Doppler was 72.22%, and specificity was 93.08%. In assessment with the implantable Doppler, PPV was 81.25% and NPV 93.18%. It seems that SPECT and the implantable Doppler had sufficient specificity in the monitoring of a buried fibular graft. However, SPECT had a lower sensitivity than the implantable Doppler.

Dual-innervated multivector muscle transfer using two superficial subslips of the serratus anterior muscle for long-standing facial paralysis.

Recent reports have described several cases of double muscle transfers to restore natural, symmetrical smiles in patients with long-standing facial paralysis. However, these complex procedures sometimes result in cheek bulkiness owing to the double muscle transfer. We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with long-standing facial paralysis, who underwent two-stage facial reanimation using two superficial subslips of the serratus anterior muscle innervated by the masseteric and contralateral facial nerves via a sural nerve graft. Each muscle subslip was transferred to the upper lip and oral commissures, which were oriented in different directions. Furthermore, a horizontal fascia lata graft was added at the lower lip to prevent deformities such as lower lip elongation and deviation. Voluntary contraction was noted at roughly 4 months, and a spontaneous smile without biting was noted 8 months postoperatively. At 18 months after surgery, the patient demonstrated a spontaneous symmetrical smile with adequate excursion of the lower lip, upper lip, and oral commissure, without cheek bulkiness. Dual-innervated muscle transfer using two multivector superficial subslips of the serratus anterior muscle may be a good option for long-standing facial paralysis, as it can achieve a symmetrical smile that can be performed voluntarily and spontaneously.

Septocutaneous gluteal artery perforator flap in breast reconstruction: An insight into the related anatomy and preoperative imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although without a widespread popularity, the septocutaneous gluteal artery perforator flap (sc-GAP) can be an excellent choice in breast reconstruction. The purpose of the article is to further study the preoperative imaging anatomy and surgical technique for a safe operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A clinical experience in four unilateral breast reconstructions is reported, and an analysis is made of the computed tomography angiography (CTA) variables (36 studies/72 sides) that might define the microsurgical consistency and reliability of the technique. RESULTS: After a careful preoperative imaging evaluation, the surgical operation confirmed a predictable, although not straightforward, anatomy. All the flaps were raised in the supine position. With a remarkably quick postoperative recovery, the resulting scar was well hidden and did not significantly distort the gluteal aesthetics although contralateral contouring liposuction might be desirable in unilateral cases. Good aesthetic results were obtained in all the patients. In the evaluation of the CTA studies, a right/left septocutaneous perforator arising from the superficial branch of the superior gluteal artery could be found in 80.6% of the patients, with a few patients having 2-3 perforators on one side. Although with an overall suitable pedicle length (mean 7.4 cm), the arterial diameter at the suture site was found to be small (mean 1.6 mm). CONCLUSION: Given the adequate body habitus and reconstructive requirements, the sc-GAP can be a good choice even in large breasts. However, the technique requires the appropriate surgical expertise and mandates a thorough preoperative imaging evaluation that defines whether the technique should be done in a particular patient.

Use of facial vein graft with vascularized composite auricular helical rim flap for alar rim defects.

Nasal alar defects lead to facial disfigurement, and nasal ala reconstruction is an important treatment option. The vascularized composite auricular flap based on the superficial temporal artery is an ideal option for a full-thickness nasal alar defect. However, the pedicle length and the discrepancy in artery diameter between the recipient vessel and flap pedicle continue to be major problems for free auricular composite tissue transfer. Considering that the angular artery is occasionally absent and the course of the infraorbital segment of the facial vein is constant, there are often no suitable vessels around the recipient site for anastomoses to the short pedicle of the flap. In the absence of a suitable recipient artery, an infraorbital segment of the facial vein measuring 2.5cm in length was taken as a graft for the anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and superior labial artery. End-to-end anastomosis was performed easily. The flap was inset to reconstruct the contralateral ala. The facial vein graft for anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and branch of the facial artery is a reliable and easy method to resolve the problem of a short pedicle and large artery discrepancy for nasal ala reconstruction with a vascularized composite helical rim flap.

Pedicled Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap Versus Free Radial Forearm Flap: Perioperative Outcomes in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) are some of the most common fasciocutaneous flaps used for head and neck (H&N) reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data and outcomes of 31 consecutive patients who underwent H&N reconstruction using either SCAIF or RFFF over a three-year period, aiming to compare the surgical outcomes of the SCAIF and the RFFF in H&N reconstruction. RESULTS: Thirty-two flaps were performed in 31 patients (17 SCAIFs and 15 RFFFs). There was no difference in patient demographics between both groups. Hospital stay was longer in the SCAIF group (30.7 ± 18.2 days (min: 9/max: 60) versus 19.2 ± 15.8 days (min: 7/max: 72). Patients who underwent reconstruction with a SCAIF had shorter reconstructive procedure time; 74.4 min (min: 60/max: 93) versus 147.8 min (min: 140/max: 187). Overall morbidity was not significantly different (SCAIF 52.7% vs RFFF 39.9%, p = NS). Global flap survival was higher without statistical significance in the RFFF group (100%) versus the SCAIF group (70.7%). CONCLUSION: Despite the advantages related to the use of SCAIF like regarding the time spent in the reconstructive procedure. In our experience, the RFFF continues to be the most successful technique with similar perioperative outcomes and fewer complication rates. In this vein, both techniques can be reasonably used to reconstruct post-ablative H&N defects. However, in our experience, the use of SCAIF may lengthen hospital length of stay probably due to the augmented risk of flap failure.