Pharyngocutaneous and tracheoesophageal fistula closure using supraclavicular artery island flap.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a common complication of laryngopharyngeal surgery, being associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Classical regional and free flaps, frequently used in the treatment of this complication, have several limitations, including bulking, donor site morbidity and long operative time. The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a fasciocutaneous flap and presents as an alternative option with good results and without the previously stated limitations. We describe our experience with SCAIF in pharyngocutaneous and tracheoesophageal fistula closure. METHODS: Between April and December 2017, four patients with pharyngocutaneous and two patients with tracheoesophageal fistula underwent fistula closure with SCAIF. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Pharyngocutaneous fistulae were associated with anterior esophageal wall defects ranging from 4 to 13.5 cm2. Tracheoesophageal fistulae defects were smaller (approximately 2 cm2). Fistula closure was achieved in all patients, oral diet was started on the 14th day post-operative and there were no signs of recurrence during follow-up. The donor area was complicated with the formation of hematoma in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: The SCAIF has unique features that makes it an ideal option for pharyngocutaneous and tracheoesophageal fistula closure, namely, reliable perfusion, quick and simple dissection, pliability and minor donor site morbidity. Local complications do not significantly affect long term morbidity of the donor area and can be avoided with simple measures.

Management of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula With Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a common complication of laryngopharyngeal surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Beyond the classical management, negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can be an alternative and effective treatment. CLINICAL REPORT: Two patients with pT3N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of pyriform sinus were subjected to total laryngectomy and pharyngoesophageal reconstruction of a circular (patient 1) and an anterior wall defect (patient 2) with radial forearm free flap and pectoralis major muscle flap, respectively. Both developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula and NPWT was used.A significant decrease of the fistula aperture and exudate was observed after 22 and 21 days of NPWT in patients 1 and 2, respectively. After that standard wound care was instituted and closure of the fistulae was accomplished in 5 and 7 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Negative-pressure wound therapy can be an effective treatment for pharyngocutaneous fistula closure, either in the setting of fistulae that persist besides multiple surgical revisions using muscle flaps or as a first-line therapy when fistulae develops.

Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma: A Rare Soft Tissue Tumor.

Superficial acral fibromyxoma is a rare clinical entity, first described in 2001. It is a soft tissue tumor with a predilection for the fingers and toes. Since it was described, few cases have been reported. We present a case of an 88-year-old male with a history of a slow-growing lump in his left great toe after local trauma. The patient underwent surgical excision, and pathologic analysis revealed the diagnosis of superficial acral fibromyxoma. Although an unusual diagnosis, surgeons should be aware of this myxoid tumor, which requires complete surgical excision and short-term follow-up to detect recurrence.

Factors associated with mortality and length of stay in the Oporto burn unit (2006-2009).

Retrospective studies are essential to evaluate and improve the efficiency of care of burned patients. This study analyses the work done in the burn unit of Hospital de S. João in the north of Portugal. A retrospective review was performed in patients admitted from 2006 to 2009. The study population was characterised regarding patient demographics, admissions profile, burn aetiology, burn site, extension and treatment. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were done in order to elucidate which of these factors influenced the mortality and length of stay. The characteristics before and after the creation of the burn unit, as well as the similarities and differences with the published data of other national and international burn units, are analysed.

Gunshot upper extremity injury reconstructed with a fibula osteoseptocutaneous free flap (case report).

The management of upper extremity gunshot wound with soft tissue and bone injuries remains a remarkable problem and often requires sophisticated reconstructive strategies.There are limited reconstructive options for the treatment of segmental bone defects of the upper extremity exceeding 6 cm in length, especially when associated with soft tissue loss. Among the limited treatment options, the osteoseptocutaneous fibular transplantation is well established. The vascularized fibula flap has become a major tool in upper limb reconstruction but still is an uncommon procedure and continues to challenge reconstructive surgeons.In this paper, we report a complex combined skeletal and soft tissue involvement of an upper extremity case successfully treated with fibula osteoseptocutaneous free flap. The bone defect measured 12 cm. In severe injuries of the upper extremity, free transfer of the fibula flap not only provides replacement of the resulting composite defect but may also offer salvage of the extremity.