Standardized Pre-clinical Surgical Animal Model Protocol to Investigate the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Ischemic Flap Healing.

BACKGROUND: Some of the most complex surgical interventions to treat trauma and cancer include the use of locoregional pedicled and free autologous tissue transfer flaps. While the techniques used for these reconstructive surgery procedures have improved over time, flap complications and even failure remain a significant clinical challenge. Animal models are useful in studying the pathophysiology of ischemic flaps, but when repeatability is a primary focus of a study, conventional in-vivo designs, where one randomized subset of animals serves as a treatment group while a second subset serves as a control, are at a disadvantage instigated by greater subject-to-subject variability. Our goal was to provide a step-by-step methodological protocol for creating an alternative standardized, more economical, and transferable pre-clinical animal research model of excisional full-thickness wound healing following a simulated autologous tissue transfer which includes the primary ischemia, reperfusion, and secondary ischemia events with the latter mimicking flap salvage procedure. RESULTS: Unlike in the most frequently used classical unilateral McFarlane's caudally based dorsal random pattern skin flap model, in the herein described bilateral epigastric fasciocutaneous advancement flap (BEFAF) model, one flap heals under normal and a contralateral flap-under perturbed conditions or both flaps heal under conditions that vary by one within-subjects factor. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the proposed experimental approach and, as a part of model validation, provide the examples of its use in laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) axial pattern flap healing studies. CONCLUSIONS: This technically challenging but feasible reconstructive surgery model eliminates inter-subject variability, while concomitantly minimizing the number of animals needed to achieve adequate statistical power. BEFAFs may be used to investigate the spatiotemporal cellular and molecular responses to complex tissue injury, interventions simulating clinically relevant flap complications (e.g., vascular thrombosis) as well as prophylactic, therapeutic or surgical treatment (e.g., flap delay) strategies in the presence or absence of confounding risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, irradiation, diabetes) or favorable wound-healing promoting activities (e.g., exercise). Detailed visual instructions in BEFAF protocol may serve as an aid for teaching medical or academic researchers basic vascular microsurgery techniques that focus on precision, tremor management and magnification.

Rate of Fat Graft Volume Loss After Parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction after parotidectomy can include fat grafting, which allows for symmetry, but grafts have demonstrated volume loss over time. OBJECTIVES: To provide quantitative evidence for the rate of volume loss of fat grafts. METHODS: Patients who received parotidectomy with fat graft reconstruction at a single institution from August 2016 to October 2020 were identified. Relationships between clinical factors and the logarithmic rate of fat graft volume loss were analyzed. RESULTS: Twelve patients received parotidectomy, fat graft reconstruction, and underwent a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Rate of fat graft volume loss was a mean of 1.8% per month (standard deviation [SD]: 2.1% per month). Total parotid fat graft volume loss was a mean of 57.4% (SD: 67.5%). The mean follow-up time was 35.5 months (range: 9-89.8 months). Correlations between body mass index (BMI), history of smoking, and history of alcohol consumption and logarithmic rates of fat graft volume loss were increased but not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Fat grafts have the potential of 60% volume loss at approximately 1 year. If there is clinical suspicion that patients will require adjuvant radiation or have clinical factors such as a smoking or alcohol-use history, volume requirements may be even greater to maintain adequate parotid volume for aesthetic purposes.

Sonic Rhinoplasty: Review and Updated Uses.

The ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA) allows for precision and provides ease of use in multiple steps of cosmetic and functional rhinoplasties. Its use has previously been described; however, since the publication of many studies the UBA has been improved and its applications for rhinoplasty have been modified and expanded. Both bony and cartilaginous modifications to the nose can be aided with the use of the UBA. From our experience, patient results have subjectively been found to be more acceptable, if not better, than with the use of other rhinoplasty instruments.

Safety of Concurrent Endoscopic Browlift and Blepharoplasty.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical safety of endoscopic browlift alone or in combination with blepharoplasty as a treatment for the aging face. This is a retrospective comparative study from 2007 to 2016 at a single tertiary care center. A consecutive sample of patients undergoing surgery for aging of the upper face was included in the study. Surgeries deemed to be inclusive were endoscopic browlift, upper blepharoplasty, and lower blepharoplasty. In total, 46 patients undergoing endoscopic browlift with concurrent blepharoplasty were included. Patient demographics, past medical history, follow-up, and any complications related to their surgery were studied up to 90 months postoperatively. Combination of endoscopic browlift with blepharoplasty did not increase the risk of complications on univariate analysis (p = 0.735). There were no differences in complication rates on univariate analysis of patients with a smoking history, diabetes, or autoimmune disease (p = 0.111, p = 0.575, p > 0.999, respectively). Furthermore, there was no difference between groups in complication rates, smoking history, diabetes, or autoimmune disease (p = 0.735, p = 0.181, p = 0.310, p = 0.218, respectively). Smoking had an insignificant increased risk of complication as compared with nonsmokers on multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.526; p = 0.073). Increasing age was slightly associated with fewer complications on multivariate analysis in this patient cohort (OR = 0.939; p = 0.048). By combining endoscopic browlift with a concomitant blepharoplasty, the goals of the patient and the standards of the surgeon can be effectively and safely achieved. Analysis of complications from 46 combined cases at our institution asserts that this is a safe operation. Smoking status was the only observed predictor for postoperative complications. This was a level of evidence 3, retrospective comparative study.

Lizard bites of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: As the ownership of lizards becomes more prevalent in the United States, injuries from these exotic pets will increase. Emergency and primary care physicians must be familiar with the proper management of lizard bites to the head and neck. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case report is to discuss the potential complications and proper management of lizard bites to the head and neck. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old man presented to the emergency department 3 h after his 5-foot iguana bit his face. The wounds were irrigated and primarily closed. Tetanus prophylaxis was administered. He was given oral amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium for 7 days. Sutures were removed 1 week after the repair. CONCLUSIONS: Topical antiseptic care, verification of tetanus status, primary wound closure, and careful monitoring of non-venomous lizard bites is recommended for lizard bites to the head and neck. Wounds at risk for infection should be treated with a quinolone or other antibiotics covering Salmonella as well as human skin flora. Venomous lizard (e.g., Gila monster and Mexican Beaded Lizard) bites require prompt attention due to potentially significant morbidities including anaphylaxis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and acute myocardial infarction.

Reconstruction of the radial forearm free flap donor site using integra artificial dermis.

Autologous skin grafting to the donor site in patients who undergo radial forearm free flap reconstruction (RFFF) is associated with cosmetic and functional morbidity. Integra artificial dermis (Integra Lifesciences, Plainsboro, NJ) is a bovine collagen based dermal substitute that can be used as an alternative to primary autologous skin transplantation of the donor site. We describe a staged reconstruction using Integra followed by ultrathin skin grafting that results in highly aesthetic and functional outcomes for these defects. A retrospective review of 29 patients undergoing extirpative head and neck oncologic resection were examined. Integra graft placement was performed at the time of RFFF harvest followed by autologous split thickness skin grafting at 1 to 5 weeks postoperatively. Healing fully occurred within 4-6 weeks with negligible donor site complications, excellent cosmesis, and minimal scar contracture. Composite reconstruction with Integra artificial dermis offers advantages over traditional methods of coverage for select cases of radial forearm free flap donor site closures.

Management of bite wounds in the head and neck.

An estimated 50% of people in the United States will incur an animal or human bite wound at least once in their lifetimes. Although the majority of these individuals do not seek medical attention, bite wounds to the head and neck are a common reason for emergency department visits. Facial bites are complex injuries due to the functional and cosmetic nature of the area, as well as the unique polymicrobial infection potential that exists. We present a review of the epidemiology and microbiology of bite injuries to the head and neck and provide evidence-based recommendations regarding surgical wound closure and antibiotic therapy.

Management of traumatic facial nerve injuries.

Management of facial nerve injuries requires knowledge and skills that should be in every facial plastic surgeon's armamentarium. This article will briefly review the anatomy of the facial nerve, discuss the assessment of facial nerve injury, and describe the management of facial nerve injury after soft tissue trauma.

Long-Term Complications of Osteocutaneous Free Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency at which patients with osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction of the head and neck develop long-term complications and identify predisposing perioperative factors. STUDY DESIGN: A prospectively maintained database of free flaps performed at a single institution over a 10-year period was queried. SETTING: Single tertiary care referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In total, 250 osseous or osteocutaneous free flaps (OCFFs) for mandibular or maxillary reconstruction were analyzed. Data were collected on demographics, preoperative therapy, resection location, adjuvant treatment, complications, and subsequent surgeries, and multivariate analysis was performed. Subgroup analysis based on perioperative factors was performed. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 23 months. In 185 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up, 17.3% had at least 1 long-term complication, most commonly wound breakdown, fistula or plate extrusion (13.5%), osteoradionecrosis or nonunion (6.5%), and infected hardware (5.9%). Prior chemoradiotherapy and cancer diagnosis predisposed patients to long-term complications. At the 5-year follow-up, 21.7% of patients had experienced a long-term complication. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term complications after OCFF occurred in 17% of patients. In this series, a preoperative history of chemoradiation and those undergoing maxillary reconstruction were at high risk for the development of long-term complications and thus warrant diligent follow-up. However, OCFFs can often enjoy long-term viability and survival, even in the case of perioperative complications and salvage surgery.

Virtual Surgical Planning in Subscapular System Free Flap Reconstruction of Midface Defects.

OBJECTIVES: Reconstruction of the midface has many inherent challenges, including orbital support, skull base reconstruction, optimizing midface projection, separation of the nasal cavity and dental rehabilitation. Subscapular system free flaps (SF) have sufficient bone stock to support complex reconstruction and the option of separate soft tissue components. This study analyzes the effect of virtual surgical planning (VSP) in SF for midface on subsite reconstruction, bone segment contact and anatomic position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients with midface defects that underwent SF reconstruction at a single tertiary care institution. RESULTS: Nine cases with VSP were compared to fourteen cases without VSP. VSP was associated with a higher number of successfully reconstructed subunits (5.9 vs 4.2, 95% CI of mean difference 0.31-3.04, p = 0.018), a higher number of successful bony contact between segments (2.2 vs 1.4, 95% CI of mean difference 0.0-1.6, p = 0.050), and a higher percent of segments in anatomic position (100% vs 71%, 95% CI of mean difference 2-55%, p = 0.035). When postoperative bone position after VSP reconstruction was compared to preoperative scans, the difference in anteroposterior, vertical and lateral projection compared to the preoperative 'ideal' bone position was <1 cm in 82% of measurements. There were no flap losses. CONCLUSION: VSP may augment SF reconstruction of the midface by allowing for improved subunit reconstruction, bony segment contact and anatomically correct bone segment positioning. VSP can be a useful adjunct for complex midface reconstruction and the benefits should be weighed against cost.

Natural History and Consequences of Nonunion in Mandibular and Maxillary Free Flaps.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the natural history of bone segment union in head and neck free flap procedures and detail the association of poor segment union with postoperative complications. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Single tertiary care referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Patients with mandibular or maxillary defects reconstructed with osseous or osteocutaneous free flaps were analyzed (n = 104). Postoperative computed tomography or positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans were reviewed for signs of osseointegration and nonunion. Postoperative wound complications were correlated with imaging findings. RESULT: Thirty-seven percent of appositions had partial union on nonunion. Appositions between osteotomized free flap segments form complete unions at a higher rate than appositions with native bone (65% vs 53%, P = .0006). If an apposition shows a gap of ≥1 mm, the chances of failing to form a complete union are greatly increated (79% vs 8%, P = .0009). Radiographic nonunion was associated with an increased likelihood of postoperative wound complications (40% vs 19%, P = .025) and in most cases was present before development of complications. CONCLUSION: Radiographic evidence of partial union or nonunion of free flap osseous segments greatly exceeds reported rates of clinically evident nonunion. Unions likely form between free flap appositions before unions to the native bone. If initial bone segments are >1-mm apart, the chance of progression to complete union is low. Incomplete osseointegration appears to be a marker for development of wound complications.

Thermistor-controlled subdermal skin tightening for the aging face: Clinical outcomes and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: Patients are increasingly seeking nonsurgical treatment for the aging face. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of a thermistor-controlled subdermal skin tightening device (ThermiTight) as a treatment modality for the aging face. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 12 patients was completed on patients having undergone ThermiTight for midface and neck skin tightening. Only five patients had a greater than 1 year follow-up and were included in the study. Two blinded reviewers assessed photographs taken pre-procedure and 1 year post-procedure using a standardized skin laxity scale. Patient charts were reviewed to assess for complications up to 12 months post-treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of included patients was 57 years, and all five patients were female. One (20%) patient treated with ThermiTight was also treated with injectables (Botox, Juvéderm) simultaneously. One (20%) patient developed a wound complication. One (20%) patient complained of incisional site pain at her first postoperative visit that subsequently self-resolved. On a five-point scale to assess facial skin laxity, there was an average improved score of 0.85 per patient (P < .001) at one year post-procedure. Two blinded reviewers correctly categorized photographs as either being "baseline" or "post-procedure" 100% of the time. There was no significant difference between the skin laxity scores by the blinded reviewers (P = .05). CONCLUSION: ThermiTight is a new technology used for nonsurgical treatment of the aging face. Long-term outcomes demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Complications are rare, but possible, in the use of ThermiTight. Level of Evidence: 3.

The Role of Free Tissue Transfer in the Management of Chronic Frontal Sinus Osteomyelitis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Chronic frontal sinus infection is managed with a combination of medical and surgical interventions. Frontal bone osteomyelitis due to recurrent infection following trauma or prior open surgery may require more significant debridement. Free tissue transfer may allow for extensive debridement with replacement of tissue, and definitive eradication of osteomyelitis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Patients undergoing free flap obliteration of the frontal sinus for frontal bone osteomyelitis at a single institution were included in the study. Clinical, radiologic, and surgical data were collected. Surgeries before and after free flap obliteration were compared by Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were identified; however, one patient had less than 6 months of follow-up and was excluded from analysis. Of the remaining 14 patients, mean follow-up duration was 26 months (range, 6-120 months). Mean number of surgeries prior to free flap was 3.7 (range, 1-8 surgeries). Free flap obliteration resolved chronic frontal sinusitis in all patients. Two patients experienced postoperative infection, and the overall complication rate was 29%. Eight patients underwent cranioplasty (six immediate, two delayed) without complication. All patients received planned courses of postoperative antibiotics. A statistically significant decrease in the number of surgeries after free flap obliteration was observed P ≤ .01). CONCLUSIONS: Extensive debridement followed by free tissue transfer and antibiotics offers a definitive treatment for complicated, recurrent frontal osteomyelitis. Simultaneous cranioplasty provides immediate protective and aesthetic benefit without complication. Consideration should be given for free tissue transfer and cranioplasty earlier in the algorithm for treatment of refractory frontal sinus osteomyelitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1497-1504, 2019.

Superficial musculoaponeurotic system elevation and fat graft reconstruction after superficial parotidectomy.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Elevation of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) with or without fat graft interposition during superficial parotidectomy prevents a concave facial deformity and Frey's syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case-control study. METHODS: Charts for 248 patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy were reviewed for pathologic, radiographic, clinical, and operative data. Sixteen patients who underwent SMAS elevation and 34 patients who underwent SMAS elevation with fat graft interposition were included in two study groups. Nonreconstructed controls were randomly selected from a pool of patients who had unilateral, superficial parotidectomy and were matched based on pathologic specimen volume. Patients were surveyed for their postoperative symptoms. RESULTS: Patients undergoing SMAS elevation alone (n = 16) compared with controls (n = 19) had greater facial symmetry (12% vs. 32%, P = .147) and a lower incidence of symptomatic Frey's syndrome (6.3% vs. 18.6%, P = .382). Patients undergoing SMAS elevation and fat graft interposition (n = 34) compared with controls (n = 38) had less facial asymmetry (9% vs. 39%, P = .002) and a lower incidence of symptomatic Frey's syndrome (6% vs. 28%, P = .04). Complications among the study and control groups were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous reconstruction of a superficial parotidectomy defect using SMAS elevation with or without fat grafting may improve postoperative facial symmetry and decrease the incidence of symptomatic Frey's syndrome without increasing complications.

Evaluating New Technology.

There are multiple complex issues to consider when evaluating any new technology. First evaluate the efficacy of the device. Then considering your patient population decide whether this technology brings an added benefit to your patients. If it meets these 2 criteria, then proceed to the financial analysis of acquiring this technology. The complete financial analysis has several important components that include but are not limited to cost, value, alternatives, return on investment, and associated marketing expense.

A simplified approach to midface aging.

We review herein our experience with subperiosteal midface-lifting under direct vision with a simple fixation technique. The technical aspects of the procedure are described in detail. A total of 121 patients underwent midface-lifting and meloplication with the 82/18 L-lactide/glycolide device (Coapt Endotine Midface ST 4.5; Coapt Technologies, Palo Alto, Calif) by both the senior (G.S.K.) and junior (R.N.H.) authors. The senior author's experience included 110 patients over a 26-month period. Thirty-two of these cases were isolated procedures. The other 78 were performed in conjunction with various procedures, most commonly rhytidectomy. There were no revisions during this period. Two cases of "puckering" were noted. Both were immediately corrected, one with fat injection and one with poly-L-lactic acid injection (Sculptra; Dermik Aesthetics, distributed by Besse Medical Supply, West Chester, Ohio). The junior author's experience included 11 cases over an 8-month period. Two cases of asymmetry were noted. One was corrected with fat injection, and the other required revision. Subperiosteal midface-lifting and meloplication using the Coapt Endotine Midface ST 4.5 device is a simple, effective technique that can be quickly learned and applied.

Naso- or Orbitocutaneous Fistulas after Free Flap Reconstruction of Orbital Exenteration Defects: Retrospective Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis.

Objective Naso- or orbitocutaneous fistula (NOF) is a challenging complication of orbital exenteration, and it often requires surgical repair. We sought to identify the incidence and risk factors for NOF after orbital exenteration. Study Design Retrospective chart review, systematic review, meta-analysis. Setting Tertiary care center. Participants Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction following orbital exenteration. Records were reviewed for clinicopathologic data, operative details, and outcomes. Main Outcome Measures Univariate analysis was used to assess risk factors for incidence of postoperative NOF. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for published reports on NOF after orbital exenteration. Rates of fistula and odds ratios for predictive factors were compared in a meta-analysis. Results Total 7 of 77 patients (9.1%) developed NOF; fistula formation was associated with ethmoid sinus involvement ( p < 0.05) and minor wound break down ( p < 0.05). On meta-analysis, pooled rates of fistula formation were 5.8% for free flap patients and 12.5% for patients receiving no reconstruction. Conclusion Immediate postoperative wound complications and medial orbital wall resection increased the risk for NOF. On review and meta-analysis, reconstruction of orbital exenteration defects decreased the risk for fistula formation, but published series did not demonstrate a significant decrease in risk with free flaps compared with other methods of reconstruction.

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after microvascular reconstruction of craniofacial defects with orbital exenteration.

OBJECTIVES: To assess risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and complications after microvascular reconstruction of cranio-orbitofacial resection with orbital exenteration (CFOE). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients at a tertiary hospital underwent 76 procedures with microvascular reconstruction of CFOE defects. Patients were stratified by extent of skull base exposure and presence or absence of dural resection. Patients with exposure of the orbital apex and roof alone were classified as minimal skull base exposure (MS) (n = 32). Those with skull base exposure beyond the orbital apex and roof were classified as significant skull base exposure (SS) (n = 38) and were subdivided into those with dural exposure (SSe) (n = 15) and those with dural resection (SSr) (n = 23). The main outcome measure was incidence of postoperative CSF leak according to univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors, including previous radiation, surgery, and location of defect. RESULTS: Intraoperative leaks occurred in five and four patients in the MS and SSe groups, respectively, with no postoperative leaks. In the SSr group, five patients developed a postoperative CSF leak and three required operative management. Multivariate analysis revealed middle fossa exposure to be the only significant predictor of CSF leak (P = 0.03). The overall complication rate was 31.6%. Major complications were greater in the SS group compared to the MS group (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this series, middle fossa resection increased the risk of postoperative CSF leak after microvascular reconstruction of CFOE defects, and complication rates were greater with more complex defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:835-841, 2017.

Aging effects on pedicled fasciocutaneous flap survival in rats.

BACKGROUND: Poorer surgical outcomes in older patients undergoing locoregional head and neck reconstruction have raised questions about tolerance of aging tissue to iatrogenic ischemic insults. METHODS: We examined the effects of aging on viability of pedicled composite flaps in 2-month and 6-month old Sprague-Dawley male rats and correlated flap survival with vascular endogenous growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2-mediated signaling events. Flap segments were assessed for gross/cellular necrosis by optical microscopy and for proangiogenic, apoptotic, and proliferative protein-marker content. RESULTS: Flap necrosis significantly increased with age (4.2% in young vs 49.17% in old), correlating with reduced expression of VEGF, inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Akt activation, impaired Akt-dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activation of Caspase-3, upregulated nuclear poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage and lower proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels. CONCLUSION: Pedicled flap survival is higher in younger rats in part because of unhindered expression of VEGF and enhanced activity of cell survival and promigratory signaling pathways. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1152-E1162, 2016.