Tongue Reconstruction with Buccinator Myomucosal Island Flaps: Technical Considerations, Oncologic Safety, Functional Outcomes and QoL Assessment-A Retrospective Observational Study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of buccinator myomucosal island flaps for tongue reconstruction following malignant tumor resections. A retrospective study was performed on 52 patients who underwent tongue reconstructions with buccinator myomucosal island flaps between 2012 and 2020. We reviewed the flap type and size, harvesting time, recipient- and donor-site complications, postoperative oncologic outcomes, functional recovery and QoL assessment. All of the flaps were transposed successfully without any total flap loss. Neither in the primary site nor in the neck were cancer relapses observed. An evaluation of the sensitivity revealed that 96.1% of patients experienced a recovery of touch, two-point and pain sensations. There were significant differences between the flap and the native mucosa in terms of the tactile (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.001) and two-point (p < 0.001) thresholds. The average swallowing score recorded was 6.1 out of 7, with only minor complaints. The quality of life assessments demonstrated high scores across physical (24.5 out of 28), social (25.8 out of 28), emotional (20.3 out of 24) and functional (25 out of 28) aspects. The present study showed how buccinator myomucosal island flaps represent an effective and functional tongue reconstructive option, requiring a short operative time with a low rate of donor site morbidity, and with evidence of long-term oncologic safety and high quality of life.

A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of 14 Head and Neck AVMs Cases Treated with a Single-Day Combined Endovascular and Surgical Approach.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare congenital defects of vascular development whose treatment remains challenging. The paper presents a retrospective single-center study of 14 patients with AVMs of the head and neck region undergoing combined endovascular and surgical treatment in a single day. AVM architecture and therapeutic strategies were determined on the basis of angiographic studies, while the psychological involvement of each patient was assessed by means of a questionnaire. Most of the 14 patients achieved satisfactory clinical results with no recurrences, good aesthetic and functional results, and most patients reported improved quality of life. The combined endovascular and surgical approach is an effective treatment for AVMs of the head and neck and performing it on the same day is a possible option often accepted by patients which guarantees operative advantages for the surgeon.

The Temporal Subcutaneous Brow Lift with Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Elastic Flap: Technical Considerations, Systematic Review, and Terminology Standardization.

OBJECTIVES: As the face ages, cosmetic changes in the periorbital region including eyebrow ptosis, sagging in the lateral temporo-orbital region with superior eyelid hooding, ptosis of orbicularis oculi muscle associated with drooping of the malar area with multiple "crow feets", a deeper lid-cheek junction, and malar festoons also occur. All these periorbital structures should be considered as a single anatomical entity. METHODS: Numerous techniques have been described to correct brow aesthetics in facial rejuvenation. We report the senior author's (M.P.) current approach utilizing a temporal subcutaneous brow lift (TSBL) associated with an orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) elastic flap. Furthermore, a systematic review of the literature was performed comparing the different surgical approaches striving to clarify its terminology. A total of 298 patients underwent this procedure in 4 years period. Of these, 230 patients, with at least 12 months of follow-up, were submitted to subjective and objective methods to evaluate the self-perception of scar and their overall aesthetic satisfaction. A committee of experts, blinded to each other's assessment, evaluated the same outcomes. Total eyebrow's tail lift was measured and recorded for each patients. RESULTS: The most satisfying aspect of these techniques is the dramatic periorbital rejuvenation and preservation of the patient's original youthful identity. In fact, the postoperative results appear very natural and do not suffer from an "operated" look. This aspect is noticeable from both the surgeon's and the patient's perceptions. There were no major complications in any of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed TSBL with OOM elastic flap technique, in the hands of senior author (M.P.) has emerged as a reliable, effective, and highly reproducible method to treat sagging and aging of the lateral region of the orbit, even without associated blepharoplasties.

The "Kite-t-FAMMIF": A Novel Technique for Reconstruction of Extensive Soft Palate Resection.

Total soft palate reconstruction is a challenge for the head and neck surgeon. Velopharyngeal incompetence resulting from soft palate resection impairs both speech and swallowing and significantly affects the quality of life of the patients. Radial forearm free flap is the reconstructive technique most used worldwide, but it requires microsurgical skills, is associated with high donor site morbidity, and shrinks during the healing process, especially after adjuvant radiotherapy. We present a novel technique using a single "kite-shaped" tunnelized-facial artery myomucosal island flap (t-FAMMIF) and report very favorable functional outcomes. Three patients in whom a kite-shaped flap was used to reconstruct a total soft palate defect after squamous cell carcinoma resection were included. In two of them, the resection included both tonsils due to cancer spreading to the tonsillar fossae. The mucosal and muscular sides of a single t-FAMMIF flap were able to restore the oral and nasal lining of the palate, respectively, without the need to fold the flap. All patients were able to tolerate an oral soft diet 10 days after surgery. No complications were detected. A complete mucosalization on the nasal lining was observed by video-endoscopy 3 weeks after surgery. No case of shrinking of the flap was observed during the follow-up, and speech and swallowing functions were not impaired after complete wound healing. Kite-shaped t-FAMMIF represents an excellent and feasible reconstructive option for extensive postablative soft palate defects.

"Functional trapezius muscle reconstruction after resection of a desmoid tumor using an innervated gracilis free flap".

Desmoid tumors are characterized by indolent growth, progressive invasion of surrounding tissues and a high rate of relapse. We present the case of a desmoid tumor rising from the trapezius of a young woman. Following resection, we performed a functional reconstruction using an innervated gracilis free flap.

Recommendations for a safe restart of elective aerosol-generating oral surgery procedures following the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak: An Italian multicenter study.

Among healthcare workers, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are some of the most exposed to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The aim of this retrospective study was to develop suggestions for continuing the work of oral and maxillofacial surgeons using a safe protocol for elective and urgent aerosol-generating procedures that could prevent the onset of new clusters. Based on the results obtained and a guidelines review of those Asian countries that had promptly managed the current pandemic, the following safety protocol was developed.

Chimeric LSMAP Double-barrel Fibula Free Flap: Goal-oriented Surgical Technique and Tips for One-stage Mandibular Reconstruction.

Composite oromandibular defects involving jaw bones, intraoral and skin/soft tissues, or dynamic structures such as the tongue, soft palate, and pharynx are real reconstructive challenges even today. Despite improvements in oral dental rehabilitation, another complex task to deal with in young patients with dentate or nonatrophic mandible is correcting a too large vertical occlusal dimension, which makes the prosthodontic rehabilitation very challenging. Instead of using more complex and time-consuming methods such as simultaneous free flaps and to avoid further bone graft and second-stage revision procedures, an innovative double-barrel shaped chimeric fibula free flap with lateral supramalleolar artery perforator flap is used to fulfill all of the reconstructive requisites in one-stage. This new operative technique has never been described before. To deal with a complex head and neck reconstruction, the step-by-step harvesting technique, flap design, and inset of flap are described, giving tips and tricks to avoid jeopardizing its vascularity. A proper match between the bone transplant and native mandible, together with a sufficient amount of tissue for proper oropharyngeal reconstruction was achieved in one stage. Both the functional and aesthetic results were excellent, requiring no further revisions in a second stage. The chimeric fibula free flap with lateral supramalleolar artery perforator flap is a novel, versatile, and useful technique that provides a good opportunity for clinicians and patients to achieve adequate prosthetic rehabilitation and improved aesthetics in reconstruction of postablative extensive oromandibular defects in one stage.

A new aesthetic pretrichial approach for upper third-facial fractures and pathologies: The "Crown incision".

BACKGROUND: The coronal incision represents the cornerstone for the treatment of upper-third maxillofacial pathologies. However, this approach leaves long scars that in numerous patients, it can cause extensive surrounding alopecia and sensory skin deficits. This clinical evidence prompted the authors to propose a full pretrichial incision, the crown incision, in order to overcome these drawbacks. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to investigate and report the aesthetic and functional outcomes of 15 patients treated with this new approach. RESULTS: In the postoperative period, no major or minor complications were detected. The aesthetic evaluation of the scar by the operator and the patient showed overlapping results. The overall rating was 2.93 for the patient and 2.87 for the surgeon, on a scale from 0 (as normal skin) to 10 (very different from normal skin). The recovery of sensitivity in the innervation territories of the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves was found to be complete in 14 patients. In one case, the sharp/blunt discriminative sensitivity was absent in all three points assessed. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the crown incision to be a safe approach with an optimal recovery of scalp sensitivity and excellent aesthetic results even in bald patients. Therefore, it can be considered a valid aesthetic and effective alternative to the classic coronal approach and should form part of the craniomaxillofacial surgical armamentarium.

Comment on: Reconstruction using facial artery system-based flaps. One vascular system for multiple purposes in head and neck reconstructive surgery / Comentario a: Reconstrucción mediante colgajos basados en el sistema de la arteria facial. Un sistema vascular para múltiples usos en cirugía reconstructiva de cabeza y cuello

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Accuracy of Fibula Reconstruction Using Patient-Specific Cad/Cam Plates: A Multicenter Study on 47 Patients.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective study evaluated the accuracy of mandibular reconstruction using free fibular flaps (by comparing virtual plans to the three-dimensional postoperative results), and the extent of bone-to-bone contact after computer-assisted surgery. METHODS: We included 65 patients who underwent partial-continuity mandibular resections from February 2013 to January 2017, and evaluated virtual planning, surgical techniques, and accuracy. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were analysed. A total of 112 fibular segments received 54 implants. We measured 227 distances between landmarks to assess the accuracy of reconstruction. Postoperative reconstruction accuracy ranged from 0.5 to 3 mm. CONCLUSION: Virtual surgical planning very accurately translated simulation into reality, particularly in patients requiring large, complex mandibular reconstructions using multiple fibular segments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2169-E2175, 2021.

Neck dissection with harmonic instruments and electrocautery: a prospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Harmonic instruments are becoming popular in head and neck surgeries. In this prospective, randomized study, the efficacy of the harmonic instruments and electrosurgical technique is compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients undergoing unilateral neck dissection were divided into two groups. In one group, surgery was performed using conventional hemostatic instruments while in the other, only harmonic instruments were used. The two techniques were then compared with regard to intra- and post-operative blood loss, complications in operating time, drain, tracheotomy and nasogastric tube duration, and post-operative hospital stay. RESULTS: Differences in operative time (P = 0.647), total suction drainage (P = 0.362) and time that drains (P = 0.404), nasogastric tube (P = 0.378), and tracheotomy (P = 0.052) were kept in place and proved not significant. The average blood loss during surgery was significantly greater in the CH group (P = 0.003) as the number of hemoclips and resorbable ligature used (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to what has been reported up to now, our study did not reveal a net advantage in the use of harmonic instruments with respect to classical instruments in terms of surgical outcome. On the contrary, harmonic tools had a higher complication rate (i.e., salivary fistula and lymphatic leak) probably due to the decreased ability of this instruments to permanently close glandular structures and lymphatic ducts. In these cases, a closure technique such as electrocautery or classic knot-tying should be used.

Platform switching versus regular platform single implants: 5-year post-loading results from a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of platform switching (PS) and regular platform (RP) implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a randomised controlled split-mouth trial. Eighteen patients, with bilaterally missing single premolars or molars to be restored with implant-supported single crowns, were consecutively enrolled. Implant sites were randomly assigned to be treated according to the PS concept (PS group), or with matching implant-abutment diameters (RP group). A total of 36 implants were placed in healed bone, with an insertion torque between 35 and 45 Ncm, according to a one-stage protocol. All the implants were loaded with a screw-retained provisional crown 3 months after implant insertion. Definitive screw-retained single crowns were delivered 2 months later. Outcome measures were implant and prosthetic survival rates, biological and prosthetic complications, marginal bone level (MBL) changes, pocket probing depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Clinical data were collected at implant placement (baseline), implant loading (3 months later) and at 9, 36 and 60 months after loading. RESULTS: One patient dropped out after 4 years of follow-up. No implant failed and no prosthetic complications were recorded during the study period. One patient experienced mucosal inflammation with positive BOP (RP group) after 3 months and three patients had bilateral peri-implant mucosal inflammation with positive BOP at 6, 24 and 36 months, respectively. No other biological complications were recorded up to 60 months of follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for complications (3/18 versus 4/18; P = 1.0). Nine months after loading the mean MBL was 0.93 ± 0.26 mm (95% CI 0.81 to 1.05) for RP implants and 0.84 ± 0.23 mm (95% CI 0.73 to 0.95) for PS implants. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (P = 0.18). Thirty-six months after loading, the mean MBL was 1.09 ± 0.31 mm (95% CI 0.95 to 1.24) in the RP group and 1.06 ± 0.24 mm (95% CI 0.94 to 1.17) in the PS group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (P = 0.70). Sixty months after loading the mean MBL was 1.24 ± 0.39 mm (95% CI 1.05 to 1.43) in the RP group and 1.20 ± 0.21 mm (95% CI 1.01 to 1.39) in the PS group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.85). The mean PPD was 2.58 ± 0.58 mm (95% CI 2.32 to 2.84) in the RP group and 2.40 ± 0.72 mm (95% CI 2.21 to 2.59) in the PS group at 60 months follow-up, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.49). The mean BOP was 0.90 ± 0.88 (95% CI 0.58 to 1.22) in the RP group and 0.93 ± 0.97 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.35) in the PS group at 60 months of follow-up, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Implants restored according to the PS concept and matching implant-abutment diameters showed comparable clinical and radiographic results up to 5 years after loading.

Fibula free flap pedicle ossification: Experience of two centres and a review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The osteogenic potential of vascularized periosteum has been described in a few cases in the literature, and many different factors have been pointed out as plausible. Our aim was to review the literature in order to give a complete overview of this topic and to report on our clinical experience. PATIENTS & METHODS: Our experience includes three patients who underwent maxillectomy and FFF reconstruction. A progressive reduction in mouth opening was noticed in the months after surgery, and CT scans showed calcified tissue around the pedicle. Surgical revisions were performed. No recurrences were noticed. A full systematic literature review was conducted, including studies published on or before September 2016. RESULTS: Clinically, free flap pedicle ossification is presented as trismus, hard swelling, and severe pain during movements, although the diagnosis is scarce and often fortuitous. From January 2010 to January 2016 we performed 68 FFF reconstructions, and the incidence of FFF pedicle ossification in our experience was 4.4%. CONCLUSION: Ossification of FFF pedicle is uncommon, but when it occurs, it has dramatic clinical consequences. Follow-up CT scan can be useful in diagnosis. In our experience, surgery should be performed only when the patient is symptomatic.

Tactile recovery assessment with shortened Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments in patients with buccinator myomucosal flap oral cavity reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: The sensitive restoration is a primary aim of oral reconstructive surgery. The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test is the "Gold Standard" to assess the threshold of tactile sensitivity on the skin but its use in the oral cavity is limited due to the size of the tools. We adopted half-cut Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments to evaluate the threshold of tactile sensitivity in oral reconstructions with buccinator myomucosal flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monofilaments were half-cut and recalibrated. Fifty-seven oral reconstructions were considered at 4-year minimum follow-up. Test was conducted both on the reconstructive flap and on the non-operated contralateral side. RESULTS: All of the considered flaps (100%) showed a recovery of tactile sensitivity. The overall average tactile threshold value assessed on this sample was 0.76 ± 1.58 g/mm2 overall. CONCLUSIONS: Shortened monofilaments allow easily assessment of tactile sensitivity in all the oral cavity areas, even in operated patients which often present lockjaw or microstomia.

Aesthetic and Functional Evaluation of Total Nasal Reconstructions.

The loss of a portion or the totality of the nose has great relevance on the perception of the beauty of a face and can result in a catastrophic quality of life impairment. Several surgical techniques are currently available for the reconstruction of the nasal pyramid. However, there are very few nasal reconstruction quality evaluation protocols that allow the surgeon to choose objectively the best technique for each kind of defects. Six total nasal reconstruction performed in University of Sassari Maxillofacial Unit were evaluated with a protocol that investigate objectively and subjectively the surgical aesthetic and functional outcome. Sensitivity recovery on the reconstructive flaps was also assessed. Patients reported a satisfactory nasal reconstruction both functionally and aesthetically. Sensitivity recovery on the forehead flap was always present even after pedicle resection or in case of traumatic section of the infraorbital nerve. The use of a three layer reconstruction has proved a viable technique both aesthetically and functionally. In particular the use of the forehead flap to reconstruct the outer layer of the nose allows to carry a tissue with very similar characteristics to the original with a recovery of the sensitivity almost complete.

Sensory recovery of myomucosal flap oral cavity reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: Sensory restoration of the oral cavity is a primary aim of reconstructive surgery in posttraumatic or postablative defects. Sensitivity plays a key role in oral function, whose impairment strongly affects the patient's quality of life. Cheek myomucosal flaps provide a reliable and tissue-like reconstruction of these regions but their sensitive recovery, which we still know little about, deserves thorough assessment. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the myomucosal cheek flaps were tested for different aspects of sensory recovery: touch; 2-point discrimination; pain; sharp/smooth discrimination; ability to feel hot/cold stimulus; stereognosis; and taste. RESULTS: Fifty-two myomucosal flap reconstructions were investigated. All sensitivity tests showed positive results. When comparison was possible, sensitivity seemed significantly close to the contralateral healthy side. Sensory recovery proved to be even better than that reported on reinnervated microvascular free flap reconstructions of the oral cavity. CONCLUSION: Myomucosal flap reconstruction demonstrated a high degree of sensory recovery.

Reconstruction of full-thickness cheek defect with chimeric facial artery free flap: A case report.

Full-thickness cheek defects represent a difficult challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Multiple techniques have been described, including local, regional, and free flaps. In this report, the reconstruction of a through and through left cheek defect, resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot injury, with a chimeric facial artery free flap is presented. The patient underwent reconstruction with a chimeric full-thickness facial artery free flap, with 9 × 3 cm diameter skin paddle and a 6 × 5 cm myomucosal paddle, was harvested on the contralateral cheek with a 7-cm length of facial pedicle. The flap was transferred via a microsurgical technique and an end-to-end microsurgical anastomosis was performed between the donor and the contralateral facial vessels. The flap was transplanted successfully and there were no donor or recipient site complications with a satisfactory esthetic result 5 years after surgery. This technique may be a good reconstructive option for medium size, full-thickness, cheek defects allowing a "like with like" reconstruction with minimal donor-site morbidity.