Design of skin islands for a myocutaneous serratus anterior free flap-An anatomical study and clinical implication for pharyngeal reconstruction after laryngopharyngectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate flap size and flap design of skin islands in myocutaneous serratus anterior free flaps (SAFFs) in fresh cadavers and to further investigate whether myocutaneous SAFFs are suitable flaps for pharyngeal reconstruction after laryngopharyngectomy. METHODS: Dissection and injection of methylene blue were performed in 20 hemithoraces of 13 fresh cadavers to evaluate flap size and location of skin islands. Based on these pre-clinical data, we performed pharyngeal reconstruction with myocutaneous SAFF in five patients after laryngopharyngectomy. RESULTS: Perfused skin paddles were found in all specimens with a mean size of perfused skin islands of 85.6 ± 49.8 cm2 . Lengths and widths of skin islands ranged from 10-21 cm and 6-20.5 cm respectively. Flap size did not significantly differ between males and females (P = 0.998), left compared to right hemithoraces (P = 0.468) and between paired specimens (P = 0.915). All skin islands were found within the upper 29.3%-51.7% of hemithorax (calculated from axilla to costal arch), and between latissimus dorsi muscle posteriorly and anterior axillary line anteriorly. Accordingly, myocutaneous SAFFs were used for pharyngeal reconstruction after laryngopharyngectomy in five patients with advanced hypopharyngeal carcinomas. Three patients had uneventful courses, while one patient developed immediate intraoperative flap loss and another patient developed partial necrosis of SAFF on postoperative day 7. CONCLUSION: Skin islands of SAFF have reliable blood supply, which allow harvest of large myocutaneous SAFFs that can be used also for pharyngeal reconstruction after laryngopharyngectomy.

Novel Demonstration of the Anterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerves using Ultrasound.

PURPOSE: Neuropathy of the intermediate (IFCN) and medial femoral cutaneous nerve (MFCN) is a potential iatrogenic complication of thigh surgery and its diagnosis is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of the visualization and diagnostic assessment of the IFCN and MFCN with high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, HRUS with high-frequency probes (15 - 22MHz) was used to locate the IFCN and the MFCN in 16 fresh cadaveric lower limbs. The correct identification of the nerves was verified by ink-marking and consecutive dissections at sites correlating to nerve positions (R1 - 3), namely, the origin, the mid portion, and the distal portion, respectively. 12 cases with suspected IFCN and MFCN lesions referred to our clinic for HRUS examinations were also assessed. RESULTS: Anatomical dissection confirmed the correct identification of the IFCN in 16/16 branches at all of the different locations (100 %). MFCN was correctly identified at R1 + 3, in all cases (16/16; 100 %), and in 14/16 cases (88 %) at (R2). 12 cases of patients with IFCN and MFCN pathologies (all of iatrogenic origin) were identified. 9 instances of structural damage were visible on HRUS, and all pathologies were confirmed by almost complete resolution of symptoms after selective HRUS-guided blocks with 0.5 - 1 ml lidocaine 2 %. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that the IFCN and the MFCN can be reliably visualized with HRUS throughout the course of these nerves, both in anatomical specimens and in patients.

High-Resolution Ultrasonography of the Transverse Cervical Nerve.

The transverse cervical nerve (TCN) is a superficial cutaneous branch of the cervical plexus that innervates the skin of the anterolateral neck. Therefore, it is exposed to injury in anterolateral cervical surgery, which can cause neuropathic pain. To provide a method with which to relieve patients' pain, this study aimed to evaluate the possibility of visualization, diagnostic assessment and blockade of the TCN with high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS). HRUS with high-frequency probes (15-22 MHz), guided ink-marking and consecutive dissection on both sides in nine fresh cadaver necks (n = 18) was conducted. On both sides of 20 healthy volunteers (n = 40), the distances between the greater auricular nerve (GAN) and the TCN at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle were measured. Finally, cases referred to HRUS examinations because suspected TCN lesions were assessed. The TCN was visible in all anatomic specimens and in healthy volunteers. Dissection confirmed HRUS findings in all anatomic specimens (100%). In healthy volunteers, the mean distance between the GAN and the TCN was 10.42 ± 3.20 mm. The median visibility, rated on a five-point Likert scale, was four, reflecting good diagnostic quality. There were six patients with visible abnormalities on HRUS. This study confirmed the reliable visualization of the TCN with HRUS in anatomic specimens, healthy volunteers and patients.