A preliminary analysis of patient reported outcomes following posterolateral mandible reconstruction: The role of flap type.

BACKGROUND: The choice of tissue type for free flap reconstruction of posterolateral mandible resections is dependent on patient and defect characteristics. We compared clinical and patient-reported outcomes following reconstruction of these defects with a soft tissue or bony free flap. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent posterolateral segmental mandibulectomy with immediate free flap reconstruction at MSKCC from 2006 to 2021. Outcomes of interest were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessed by FACE-Q surveys and complications at the flap recipient site. RESULTS: Ninety patients received a bony flap and 24 patients received a soft tissue flap. Patients reconstructed with soft tissue flaps had greater rates of composite soft tissue defects (p < 0.0001), condyle resection (p = 0.001), and peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.035). Complication rates were similar between the cohorts (p > 0.05). Bony flaps scored higher on multiple FACE-Q scales: Facial Appearance (p = 0.023) Eating/Drinking (p = 0.029), Smiling (p = 0.012), Speaking (p < 0.001), Swallowing (p = 0.012), Smiling Distress (p = 0.037), and Speaking Distress (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of posterolateral mandibular defects has a similar complication profile when utilizing a bony or soft tissue free flap. Bony flaps may perform better with respect to PROMs. Reconstructive surgeons should consider using bony flap reconstruction to achieve higher patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Indications and versatility of the posterior tibial artery flap in head and neck reconstruction.

Importance Free tissue transfer for reconstruction of the head and neck requires complicated repair of complex anatomy. The posterior tibial flap is a free tissue flap that has viability and versatility to be used for complex reconstructions that is not offered by other free flaps. OBJECTIVE: The posterior tibial artery flap is a perforator flap which is found between the flexor digitorum longus and the soleus. It has been described as both a pedicled flap for lower extremity reconstruction as well as a free flap, including for head and neck reconstruction. Limited data exists on the subject in the English literature. The objective of this study is to present our experience with the flap in the head and neck. DESIGN: Retrospective review of cases from a single institution between October 2019 and May 2023. Primary indications included patients whose defects were felt to be larger than a conventional radial forearm free flap that were not well served by the anterolateral thigh flap, either because of body habitus or room for the associated muscle. SETTING: Tertiary academic hospital system performing free tissue transfer reconstruction of within the head and neck. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent posterior tibial artery free flap during the study period. Indications for flap reconstruction included oral cavity, tongue, oropharynx and skin of the scalp and forehead. Flap size ranged from 24cm2 to 143cm2. Only one flap failure was observed. Flap harvest time was universally under forty-six minutes, and as little as thirty-two. CONCLUSION: The posterior tibial artery flap is a useful option in head and neck reconstruction. It provides an intermediary in size and bulk between the radial forearm and the anterolateral thigh flap. Additionally, it provides a straightforward harvest with minimal donor site morbidity.

Systematic review of the free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for head and neck reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap has gained interest as a option for reconstruction of head and neck defects while minimizing donor site morbidity as compared to traditional workhorse flaps. The primary aim of this systematic review is to assess the postoperative outcomes and efficacy of this flap. METHODS: Several databases were screened for relevant citations. The quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated using the MINORS scoring system. RESULTS: Twenty articles containing 168 patients undergoing at least one TDAP flap reconstruction met the inclusion criteria. There were no incidences of total flap failure and only 10 incidences of partial flap failure (5.95 %). Flap complications and donor site morbidity was low. The average MINORS score of the studies suggested a moderately high amount of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Based on limited quality evidence, this review suggests that TDAP flap is a safe and feasible option for head and neck reconstruction with comparable success rates as other commonly used flaps, with low complication rate and donor site morbidity. Further large-scale studies are warranted.

Comparison of Reconstruction of Maxilloalveolar Resections in Head and Neck Cancers with Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Flap (ALT) versus Standard ALT Flap.

Background Oral malignancy that presents at a locally advanced stage needs complex surgical resections in which the maxillary cavity is usually left open. The constant maxillary secretions lead to problems like poor healing, fistula formation, and flap necrosis, causing longer hospital stays, delayed adjuvant therapy, and additional surgeries. Several methods have been tried to ameliorate this, each faced with its own difficulties. This study describes the use of chimeric free anterolateral thigh (ALT) with vastus lateralis (VL) muscle to tackle this problem. Materials and Methods With the aim to assess the advantage of reconstruction of maxillo-alveolar resections using chimeric ALT + VL, we analyzed data from 20 cases reconstructed with chimeric free ALT + VL over a year. We compared them with twenty matched controls reconstructed with standard ALT. Analysis was done with respect to intraoperative ease, adequacy of maxillary sinus fill, postoperative secretions, length of hospital stay, duration to adjuvant therapy, and postoperative complications tabulated using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. Results It was found that chimeric ALT + VL gave greater freedom of movement to plug the maxillary cavity easily. The chimeric arm patients had fewer complications and a shorter mean hospital stay. Most of them received adjuvant therapy within their optimal time window. Conclusion Chimeric ALT with vastus lateralis muscle is a reliable option for reconstructing complex defects, especially with dead space cavities like the maxillary sinus. Effective plugging of the maxillary sinus during the primary surgery results in better patient outcomes and must be done routinely.

Reconstruction in open anterior skull base surgery: A review and algorithmic approach.

PURPOSE: Defects resulting from open resection of anterior skull base neoplasms are difficult to reconstruct. Our objective was to review the literature and describe an evidence-based algorithm that can guide surgeons reconstructing anterior skull base defects. METHODS: A research librarian designed database search strategies. Two investigators independently reviewed the resulting abstracts and full text articles. Studies on reconstruction after open anterior skull base resection were included. Studies of lateral and posterior skull base reconstruction, endoscopic endonasal surgery, traumatic and congenital reconstruction were excluded. Based on the review, a reconstructive algorithm was proposed. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 603 unique abstracts. 53 articles were included. Adjacent subsites resected, defect size, radiotherapy history, and contraindications to free tissue transfer were identified as key factors influencing decision making and were used to develop the algorithm. Discussion of the reconstructive ladder as it applies to skull base reconstruction and consideration of patient specific factors are reviewed. Patients with a prior history of radiotherapy or with simultaneous resection of multiple anatomic subsites adjacent to the anterior skull base will likely benefit from free tissue transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of anterior skull base defects requires knowledge of the available reconstructive techniques and consideration of defect-specific and patient-specific factors.

The profunda artery perforator flap for head and neck reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The profunda artery perforator (PAP) fasciocutaneous flap is underutilized in head and neck reconstruction, with advantages including ease of harvest and minimal donor site morbidity. METHODS: Cadaveric dissection of cutaneous perforators to origin at profunda femoris system to characterize vascular anatomy. RESULTS: 22 PAP flaps were studied. Each contained 1-6 cutaneous perforators originating from the profunda system, designated into A, B, or C vascular pedicle systems. Muscular perforators did not consistently extend to skin in systems A and C, but all dissections demonstrated myocutaneous perforator in system B. Average distance from groin crease to cutaneous perforators of A, B, and C respectively was 8 cm (range 3-15 cm), 11.4 cm (range 5-17 cm), and 17.5 cm (range 12.5-22 cm). Average pedicle length was 11.07 cm (range 7-16 cm), 11.78 cm (range 9-16 cm), and 11.23 cm (range 9-15 cm). Average vena comitans diameter at origin was 3.14 mm (range 1.27-4.46 mm). Average arterial diameter at origin was 2.07 mm (range 1.27-3.82 mm). Range of maximal primary closure was 6-11 cm. CONCLUSION: PAP free flap demonstrates reliable vascular anatomy in cadavers, with adequate pedicle length and vessel diameter. All specimens contained adequate myocutaneous perforator to support free tissue transfer.

Jehovah's witness head and neck free flap reconstruction patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a Christian religious denomination that rejects the transfusion of whole blood and component blood products. Given new transfusion-free strategies, Jehovah's Witness patients are undergoing free flap reconstructions with increased regularity. However, outcome data remains limited. With this study, we sought to examine post-operative outcomes in Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck, compare their outcomes to non-Jehovah's Witness patients, and enumerate strategies to enhance the safety of transfusion-free surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 10 patients who identified as Jehovah's Witness and 63 patients who did not. Demographic information, pre-operative laboratory values, peri-operative resuscitative interventions, and peri-operative outcome measures were compiled. Descriptive data analysis, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square tests, and multivariate analysis were used. RESULTS: Jehovah's Witness patients were significantly older than non-Jehovah's Witness patients (p = 0.03) and had significantly higher ASA scores (p = 0.009). Head and neck cancer was the primary surgical indication in both groups (p = 0.71). Jehovah's witness patients have significantly less intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.011) and lower post-operative hemoglobin (p = 0.002) compared to non-Jehovah's Witness patients. While Jehovah's Witness patients had significantly higher rates of severe anemia (p = 0.014), there was no significant difference between the two groups in other post-operative complications and readmission rates even in a multivariate analysis accounting for age and ASA score. CONCLUSIONS: Free flap microvascular reconstruction can be reliably performed on Jehovah's Witness head and neck patients without an increased risk of complication. Policies such as the use of non-blood volume expanders, albumin, Epogen, perioperative iron supplementation, cell saver and acute normovolemic hemodilution are key to ensuring good outcomes.

Flap perfusion monitoring with an attached surface probe in microvascular reconstruction of the oral cavity.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative flap monitoring is essential in oral microvascular reconstruction for timely detection of vascular compromise. This study investigated the use of attached surface probes for the oxygen-2-see (O2C) analysis system (LEA Medizintechnik, Germany) for intraoral flap perfusion monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 30 patients who underwent oral reconstruction with a microvascular radial-free forearm flap (RFFF) or anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) between 2020 and 2022. Flap perfusion was measured with attached (3-mm measurement depth) and unattached surface probes (2- and 8-mm measurement depths) for the O2C analysis system at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h postoperatively. Flap perfusion monitoring with attached surface probes was evaluated for cut-off values for flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation indicative of vascular compromise and for accuracy and concordance with unattached surface probes. RESULTS: Three RFFFs were successfully revised, and one ALTF was unsuccessfully revised. The cut-off values indicative of vascular compromise for flap perfusion monitoring with attached surface probes were for RFFF and ALTF: blood flow < 60 arbitrary units (AU) and < 40AU, hemoglobin concentration > 100AU and > 80AU (both > 10% increase), and hemoglobin oxygen saturation < 40% and < 30%. Flap perfusion monitoring with attached surface probes yielded a 97.1% accuracy and a Cohen's kappa of 0.653 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Flap perfusion monitoring with attached surface probes for the O2C analysis system detected vascular compromise accurately and concordantly with unattached surface probes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Attached surface probes for the O2C analysis system are a feasible option for intraoral flap perfusion monitoring.

Clinical applications of the chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in head and neck reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following head and neck surgery. Dead space at the excision site can increase the risk of infection, abscess formation, and mortality. Herein, we evaluated the performance of the chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in addressing these concerns. METHODS: Patients who underwent oncologic head and neck reconstruction between October 2016 and November 2021 were divided in two groups: a normal ALT flap and a chimeric dead space filling (DSF) ALT-vastus lateralis flap group. We evaluated the postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients treated with normal ALT flaps (34.7%) and 47 with DSF ALT flap group (65.2%) were included. Only one ALT per case was necessary. Most of the cases involved tongue (31.9%) and lower gingival reconstruction (27.8%). The time to harvest the DSF ALT flap was 134.3 min when compared to the normal ALT flap (116.2 min, p < .001). Vascular occlusion, flap loss, partial necrosis, and fat necrosis were not observed among the different groups. CONCLUSION: The DSF process can be used as a preventive measure for SSI or vessel exposure due to radiation-induced skin damage. This flap allows same-site reconstruction if the primary tumor recurs by using the pedicle of the chimeric flap for reattachment of another free flap.

[Interdisciplinary defect reconstruction of upper aerodigestive fistulas-case series and treatment algorithm]. / Interdisziplinäre Defektrekonstruktion bei Fisteln des oberen Aerodigestivtrakts ­ Fallserie und Behandlungsalgorithmus.

BACKGROUND: Persistent complex defects and dysfunctions of the upper aerodigestive tract after tumor surgery represent a major challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary approach using the free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) as a reconstruction option in the upper aerodigestive tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study identified 5 patients with complex defects after laryngectomy/pharyngolaryngectomy (LE/PLE) and multiple revision surgeries between 2017 and 2023. The operations were performed by an interdisciplinary team from otolaryngology, plastic surgery, and visceral/thoracic surgery. The results of the microsurgical reconstruction were analyzed. RESULTS: There was an average of six previous operations. The defects included tracheoesophageal fistulas, pharyngocutaneous fistulas, neopharyngeal stenosis, and combinations thereof. Successful reconstruction was achieved in 100% of patients using the ALT flap. In 2 patients, ALT flow-through flaps were used with an additional free jejunal interposition (JI) and in 3 patients split-ALT flaps were used. The major complication rate was 40% and the minor complication rate was 20%. CONCLUSION: Complex defects of the upper aerodigestive tract with multiple previous operations can be successfully reconstructed. Because of its versatility, the ALT flap seems to be a very good option. Prerequisite for this is an interdisciplinary treatment approach with a critical assessment of patient- and disease-specific factors.

Innovative Strategies in Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction.

The field of reconstructive microsurgery has witnessed considerable advancements over the years, driven by improvements in technology, imaging, surgical instruments, increased understanding of perforator anatomy, and experience with microsurgery. However, within the subset of microvascular head and neck reconstruction, novel strategies are needed to improve and optimize both patient aesthetics and post-operative function. Given the disfiguring defects that are encountered following trauma or oncologic resections, the reconstructive microsurgeon must always aim to innovate new approaches, reject historic premises, and challenge established paradigms to further achieve improvement in both aesthetic and functional outcomes. The authors aim to provide an up-to-date review of innovations in head and neck reconstruction for oncologic defects.

Free Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction: An Indian Experience.

Background We describe our experience with use of free thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap for head and neck (H&N) cancer reconstruction, with respect to the patient and disease profile, suitable defect characteristics, the reconstructive technique, and complications. Methods Consecutive patients ( N = 26) undergoing free TDAP flap for H&N onco-reconstruction, in a single center, were included from January 2015 to December 2018 and the data were analyzed. Results Perforator(s) were reliably predicted preoperatively, using handheld Doppler. Lateral position was comfortable for the harvest. Twenty flaps were harvested on a single perforator, more commonly musculocutaneous ( n = 16). The thoracodorsal nerve and latissimus dorsi muscle could be preserved, completely in almost all cases. The skin paddle was horizontally ( n = 5) or vertically ( n = 21) oriented, both giving a satisfactory scar. The flap was used as a single island or two islands by de-epithelializing intervening skin. Pedicle length was sufficient in all cases. Four cases were explored for suspected venous insufficiency. Two had thrombosis, of which one was salvaged, while the other necrosed. One flap had minimal partial necrosis, which was managed with secondary suturing. The 5-year follow-up showed good oral competence, mouth opening, and cosmetic satisfaction among patients. Conclusion TDAP flap provides all the advantages of a perforator-based free flap and of back as a donor site with close color match to the face, relatively hairless, and thickness in between the thigh and the forearm. It can be a useful tool to provide an ideal functional and aesthetic outcome, with a hidden donor site and minimal donor site morbidity in selected cases.

Biologics and acellular dermal matrices in head and neck reconstruction: A comprehensive review.

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have been studied extensively in the literature and have gained popularity for various reconstructive and aesthetic purposes. ADMs are composed of a basement membrane and acellular dermal layer of collagen and provide a platform for mucosal epithelization and neovascularization. Combining dermal collagen and essential growth factors allows ADMs to support adequate wound healing and bolster soft-tissue repairs. These dermal matrices can be derived from human cadaveric donor skin (allogenic) or mammalian donor sources (xenogeneic). These dermal substitutes provide the benefit of reducing or eliminating the need for autologous tissue grafts and subsequently minimize donor site morbidity. Many ADMs are currently available in the market, each with variations in processing, manufacturing, storage, preparation, and use. The literature validating ADMs in the head and neck for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes is evolving rapidly. This review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the principles of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs), the different types of ADMs, and evaluate common indications, techniques, and outcomes pertaining to select anatomic sites in the head and neck reconstruction.

Advanced Head and Neck Reconstruction; A Seven-Year Experience in Iran.

Background: One of the most challenging methods is a free flap reconstruction in the third world: wanting in more endeavors. There is an intense requirement in the realm of training and experience in addressing head and neck defect issues. This study is aimed at expressing our experience with the free flap as a useful reconstruction method. Methods: Some patients were included as candidates in a retrospective study for free flap reconstruction, referring to diverse hospitals in different places in Tehran, Iran, from 2013 to 2020. Patients' demographic data, tumor profile, as well as flap results, were under assessment. Means (±Standard Deviation=SD), and median (with an interquartile range =IQR=Q1-Q3) for continuous variables; frequencies, as well as proportions for categorical variables, were reported. The variables' comparison among both groups - death or survival -was conducted employing either X2 tests or Fisher's accurate test for proportions; also, unpaired t-tests for means. Results: 330 individuals of patients undergoing 7 years of free-flap operation were under evaluation. The age ranged from 7 to 96 years, with an average of 51.91 ± 17.87 (Mean ± SD). The tongue (118, 37.6%) was the tumor's most typical origin; radial forearm flap (133, 40.3%), the most employed flap accompanied by anterolateral thigh flap (110, 33.3%). The success rate of free flaps surgery was 94 %, and merely 20 individuals of (6%) patients experienced flap necrosis; 21 individuals of patients (6.4%) died in the hospital after the surgical operation. Conclusion: In spite of the several limitations in our country as there are in other developing countries, the surgery of free flap reconstruction in head and neck defects has experienced an evolution in the last few years. In order to achieve better outcomes, we are supposed to mitigate the related issues to underlying diseases, patients suffering from, and the delay in the realm of detecting flap vascular complications in our setting.

Blood transfusion demands in a tertiary otolaryngology, head and neck centre: A 5-year retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively analyse and report the utilisation of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in a tertiary otolaryngology, head and neck centre in the United Kingdom. BACKGROUND: Twenty-seven per cent of RBC transfusions were for surgical indications in a 2014 England and North Wales survey. Currently, there is limited literature on RBC transfusions in Otolaryngology. METHODS/MATERIALS: All inpatients admitted primarily under the care of the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck service between January 2015 and December 2019 were analysed. The primary outcomes of interest were number of units of RBC transfused over 5 years and distribution across clinical indications. Secondary outcome measure was cost of RBC transfusions over the same time period. RESULTS: Most patients receiving transfusions are aged in their sixth and seventh decades. Epistaxis patients utilised 105 RBC units over the 5 years (56% of total RBC units) with emergency epistaxis accounting for 78% of use. Post-operative Head & Neck Cancer surgery with and without reconstruction required 47 RBC units over 5 years (25% of total RBC units). The mean cost incurred by the department over the 5-year period was £6171.49 (SD 1460.25). The cost has fallen by over £2000 over the 5-year period. CONCLUSION: Blood transfusion use has fluctuated over the last 5 years. Epistaxis and post-operative Head and Neck cancer cases account for significant use compared with other patient groups. Prehabilitation strategies will add value towards mitigating future consumption of RBC.

Management of pedicle ossification following free flap reconstruction: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Heterotopic ossification of a vascular pedicle is an uncommon, but established, phenomenon occasionally seen incidentally on post-operative imaging after fibular free flap reconstruction. Symptomatic cases of pedicle ossification, however, are much rarer, with very few cases requiring operative intervention. We present the largest case of pedicle ossification recorded to date, review the literature on symptomatic pedicle ossification, and describe our experience with the surgical management and outcomes of this complication in symptomatic patients. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 60-year-old man with a 7 cm neck mass and neck pain presents six months after fibular free flap reconstruction of an osteonecrotic mandible. CT demonstrates heterotopic ossification of the free flap vascular pedicle. The patient underwent surgical resection of the ossification with preservation of the pedicle and had an uncomplicated post-operative course with resolution of symptoms. DISCUSSION: While pedicle ossification following fibula free flap surgery appears to be a somewhat common occurrence in the literature, clinically significant and symptomatic cases are rare. Symptomatic pedicle ossification may require secondary surgical intervention if large, painful, or disfiguring. Although there are surgical techniques described which may decrease the incidence of postoperative ossification, the rarity of symptomatic cases may not justify the additional surgical risks created by subperiosteal dissection. CONCLUSION: Here, we present what appears to be the largest case of pedicle ossification in the literature. We believe this case may aid in the understanding of pedicle ossification and contribute towards a standard treatment protocol in the prevention and treatment of clinically relevant pedicle ossification.

Systematic review of submental artery island flap versus free flap in head and neck reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review is to compare the perioperative characteristics and outcomes of submental artery island flap (SAIF) to free tissue transfer (FTT) in head and neck reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Screening and data extraction were done with Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases by two independent authors to identify randomized and observational studies that compared patient outcomes for SAIF vs. FTT for reconstruction head and neck cancer ablative surgery. Data were pooled with random-effects meta-analysis to determine pooled difference in means (DM), absolute risk differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed with the I-squared statistic. RESULTS: Initial query yielded 997 results, of which 7 studies met inclusion criteria. The pooled sample sizes for the SAIF and FTT cohorts were 155 and 198, respectively. SAIF reduced mean operative time by 193 min (95% CI -160 to -227), reduced hospital stay by 2.1 days (95% CI -0.9 to -3.4), and had a smaller flap area of 22.5cm2 (95% CI 6.5 to 38.4). SAIF had a 5% higher incidence of partial flap necrosis than FTT (95% CI, 1 to 10), but all other perioperative complications, including recurrence rate in malignant cases, were statistically comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The SAIF requires less operative time, hospital stay, and has comparable perioperative outcomes to FTT, but the area of flap harvest is significantly smaller. The findings of this study add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the safety and reliability of SAIF in head and neck reconstruction.

Donor site sequelae and patient satisfaction after head and neck reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap.

PURPOSE: Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) being a workhorse flap in head and neck reconstruction, we investigated its donor site delayed consequences. METHODS: Multicentric case series evaluating 189 patients who underwent RFFF for carcinologic reasons at least 6 months before. Patients and surgeon's appreciation regarding the aesthetic and functional consequences of the flap harvest on their daily life were evaluated by questionnaires using likert scales. Medical data were collected from patients' charts retrospectively. RESULTS: Thirty percent of patients had at least one sequelae. Experiencing a graft necrosis did not worsen long-term results. Cosmetic satisfaction was significantly worst for women, according to patients' and surgeons' opinion. For 81% and 92% patients, respectively, the flap harvest had no impact on daily life nor sport practice. Ratio between the benefits of reconstruction and the sequelae at the donor site was judged "excellent" for 77% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although objectively important, RFFF morbidity has little impact in head and neck cancer patient's life.

Taking a step down on the reconstruction ladder for head and neck reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Most of the head and neck cancers are time-critical and need urgent surgical treatment. Our unit is one of the departments in the region, at the forefront in treating head and neck cancers in Pakistan. We have continued treating these patients in the COVID-19 pandemic with certain modified protocols. The objective of this study is to share our experience and approach towards head and neck reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: There were a total of 31 patients, 20 (64.5%) were males and 11 (35.4%) patients were females. The mean age of patients was 52 years. Patients presented with different pathologies, i.e. Squamous cell carcinoma n = 26 (83.8%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma n = 2 (6.4%), adenoid cystic carcinoma n = 2 (6.4%) and mucormycosis n = 1 (3%). The reconstruction was done with loco-regional flaps like temporalis muscle flap n = 12 (38.7%), Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap n = 8 (25.8%), supraclavicular artery flap n = 10 (32.2%) and combination of fore-head, temporalis major and cheek rotation flaps n = 1 (3%). Defects involved different regions like maxilla n = 11 (35.4%), buccal mucosa n = 6 (19.3%), tongue with floor of mouth n = 6 (19.3%), mandible n = 4 (12.9%), parotid gland, mastoid n = 3 (9.6%) and combination of defects n = 1 (3%). Metal reconstruction plate was used in 3 (9.6%) patients with mandibular defects. All flaps survived, with the maximum follow-up of 8 months and minimum follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSION: Pedicled flaps are proving as the workhorse for head and neck reconstruction in unique global health crisis. Vigilant use of proper PPE and adherence to the ethical principles proves to be the only shield that will benefit patients, HCW and health system.

Supraclavicular artery island flap for head and neck reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The ablative surgical resection has a critical importance for achieving better oncological outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. However, radical surgical resections reveal the reconstruction requirement of complex anatomical structures. Microvascular free flaps have been recommended as a gold standard treatment choice for head and neck reconstruction following definitive oncological surgery. The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a thin and reliable fasciocutaneous pedicled flap that is simple and quick to harvest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 19 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with SCAIF were included in this study. The SCAIF was used for the reconstruction of oncological defects in 17 patients while it was used for the reconstruction of a skin defect on the lower face following radiotherapy in 1 patient and for cervical open wound (blast injury) closure in 1 patient. RESULTS: There were neither intraoperative nor postoperative major complications in any patient. The SCAIF has been used successfully in 18 of 19 patients for head and neck reconstructive surgery. Partial necrosis of the skin was detected in 1 patient (5.3%) only, while a total flap failure has not occurred in any patient. The partial skin necrosis was seen in an area of 1.5 cm of the distal end of the flap and was managed conservatively with local wound care. Wound dehiscence has not appeared in the flap donor area in any patient. CONCLUSION: The SCAIF constitutes a good alternative to free flaps, providing almost equivalent functional results and requiring less operative time and surgical effort.