Repair of post-laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulas using a pectoralis major flap / Reparo de fístulas faringocutâneas pós-laringectomia utilizando retalho do músculo peitoral maior

Abstract Introduction: The pectoralis major flap is a reconstructive option to consider in the treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistula after a total laryngectomy. There are not large studies assessing variables related to pharyngocutaneous fistula recurrence after removal of the larynx. Our objectives were to review the results obtained with this type of treatment when pharyngocutaneous fistula appears in laryngectomized patients, and to evaluate variables related to the results. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our results using either a myocutaneous or fasciomuscular pectoralis major flap to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula in 50 patients. Results: There were no cases of flap necrosis. Oral intake after fistula repair with a pectoralis major flap was restored in 94% of cases. Fistula recurrence occurred in 22 cases (44%), and it was associated with a lengthening of the hospital stay. Performing the flap as an emergency procedure was associated with a significantly higher risk of fistula recurrence. Hospital stay was significantly shorter when a salivary tube was placed. Conclusions: The pectoralis major flap is a useful approach to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula. Placing salivary tubes during fistula repair significantly reduces hospital stay and complication severity in case of pharyngocutaneous fistula recurrence.

Resumo Introdução: O retalho do músculo peitoral maior é uma opção a ser considerada no fechamento de fístula faringocutânea pós-laringectomia total. Não há grandes estudos que avaliem as variáveis relacionadas à recorrência da fístula faringocutânea após esse procedimento. Nossos objetivos foram avaliar os resultados obtidos com esse tipo de tratamento em pacientes laringectomizados com fístula faringocutânea e as variáveis relacionadas aos resultados. Método: Revisamos retrospectivamente os nossos resultados em 50 pacientes nos quais um retalho miocutâneo ou fasciomuscular do músculo peitoral maior foram utilizados para reparar a fístula faringocutânea. Resultados: Não houve casos de necrose de retalho. Após o reparo da fístula com um retalho do músculo peitoral maior, a ingestão oral foi restaurada em 94% dos casos. Houve recorrência da fístula em 22 casos (44%), a qual foi associada à duração da hospitalização. O uso do retalho como procedimento de emergência foi associado a um risco significativamente maior de recorrência da fístula. A permanência hospitalar foi significativamente menor quando utilizado um tubo de derivação salivar. Conclusões: O uso do retalho do músculo peitoral maior é uma abordagem útil para reparar a fístula faringocutânea. A colocação de tubos de derivação salivar durante o reparo da fístula reduz significativamente o tempo de hospitalização e a gravidade das complicações em caso de recorrência da fístula faringocutânea.

Repair of post-laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulas using a pectoralis major flap.

INTRODUCTION: The pectoralis major flap is a reconstructive option to consider in the treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistula after a total laryngectomy. There are not large studies assessing variables related to pharyngocutaneous fistula recurrence after removal of the larynx. Our objectives were to review the results obtained with this type of treatment when pharyngocutaneous fistula appears in laryngectomized patients, and to evaluate variables related to the results. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our results using either a myocutaneous or fasciomuscular pectoralis major flap to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula in 50 patients. RESULTS: There were no cases of flap necrosis. Oral intake after fistula repair with a pectoralis major flap was restored in 94% of cases. Fistula recurrence occurred in 22 cases (44%), and it was associated with a lengthening of the hospital stay. Performing the flap as an emergency procedure was associated with a significantly higher risk of fistula recurrence. Hospital stay was significantly shorter when a salivary tube was placed. CONCLUSIONS: The pectoralis major flap is a useful approach to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula. Placing salivary tubes during fistula repair significantly reduces hospital stay and complication severity in case of pharyngocutaneous fistula recurrence.

Barcelona Lymphedema Algorithm for Surgical Treatment in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Background Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a prevalent condition that has a major impact on quality of life. Surgical treatment has become an alternative to help affected patients with good results. However, there is no consensus on surgical procedure and protocol. Methods We analyzed our data in two periods: from June 2007 to December 2011 and from January 2012 to June 2014. Data included the analysis of the limb circumferences and the subjective symptoms felt by patients. Results Of the 200 patients treated in the study, 81 had lymphaticovenous anastomosis, 7 had autologous lymph node transfer, 16 had total breast anatomy restoration, 52 had vibroliposuction, and 44 had combined reconstructive procedures. In the first period, the circumference of the superior limb showed a decrease of 0.9 to 6.1 cm (average 2.75 cm). In the second period, the circumference of the superior limb showed a decrease of 2.9 to 6.1 cm (average 3.85 cm). Clinical results and data from the questionnaires confirmed the improvement and subjective benefits. Conclusion We have obtained considerable improvements in results of limb circumferences and subjective symptoms after incorporating several modifications into our surgical strategy for lymphedema treatment. A detailed preoperative assessment should be performed to determine whether reconstructive surgery or palliative surgery is indicated.

Reconstrucción de defectos de cavidad oral con colgajos tipo FAMM (colgajo músculo-mucoso de arteria facial). Nuestra experiencia / Reconstruction of oral cavity defects with FAMM (facial artery musculomucosal) flaps. Our experience

Introducción y objetivos: El colgajo músculo-mucoso de arteria facial (FAMM) es un buen recurso para la cobertura de defectos intraorales de pequeño y mediano tamaño debido a sus características tisulares y a su facilidad de realización. Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los resultados obtenidos con el colgajo, realizados en nuestro centro durante el periodo 2006-2014. Se intervino a un total de 20 pacientes sobre los que se realizaron 25 colgajos tipo FAMM, 16 derechos (64%) y 9 izquierdos (36%). El colgajo se utilizó de forma bilateral y simultánea en 5 pacientes. Las indicaciones para la realización de los colgajos fueron: reconstrucción tras exéresis de neoplasias del suelo de la boca (8 casos; 40%), neoplasias en otras localizaciones de cavidad oral (4 casos; 20%), osteorradionecrosis mandibular (4 casos; 20%), fístula oroantral (3 casos; 15%) y anquiloglosia posquirúrgica (un caso; 5%). Resultados: El colgajo consiguió una reconstrucción satisfactoria en el 92% de los casos (n = 23). Se produjo una necrosis del colgajo en una ocasión, y una dehiscencia con exposición de hueso subyacente en otra ocasión. Se consiguió una ingesta y función oral satisfactoria en la totalidad de los pacientes. Conclusiones: Dada su fiabilidad y versatilidad, el colgajo músculo-mucoso de arteria facial es una técnica adecuada para la reconstrucción de defectos orales de pequeño y mediano tamaño. Permite una reconstrucción funcional adecuada de la cavidad oral con escaso riesgo de complicaciones (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap is a good option for covering small and medium-sized defects in the oral cavity because of its similar tissue characteristics and easy implementation. Methods: We reviewed our results using this flap between 2006 and 2014. A total of 20 patients were included and 25 FAMM flaps were performed, 16 right (64%) and 9 left (36%) flaps. Five patients had simultaneous bilateral reconstructions. The indications for flap surgery were reconstruction after resection of tumours in the floor of the mouth (8 cases, 40%), tumours in other sites of the oral cavity (4 cases, 20%), mandibular osteoradionecrosis (4 cases, 20%), oroantral fistula (3 cases, 15%) and postoperative ankyloglossia (one case, 5%). Results: Reconstruction was successful in 92% of cases (n = 23). Total flap necrosis occurred in one case and dehiscence with exposure of bone in another. Oral function and ingestion were satisfactory in all patients. Conclusions: The facial artery musculomucosal flap is reliable and versatile for reconstruction of small and medium-sized intraoral defects. It allows functional reconstruction of the oral cavity with a low risk of complications (AU)

Reconstruction of oral cavity defects with FAMM (facial artery musculomucosal) flaps. Our experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap is a good option for covering small and medium-sized defects in the oral cavity because of its similar tissue characteristics and easy implementation. METHODS: We reviewed our results using this flap between 2006 and 2014. A total of 20 patients were included and 25 FAMM flaps were performed, 16 right (64%) and 9 left (36%) flaps. Five patients had simultaneous bilateral reconstructions. The indications for flap surgery were reconstruction after resection of tumours in the floor of the mouth (8 cases, 40%), tumours in other sites of the oral cavity (4 cases, 20%), mandibular osteoradionecrosis (4 cases, 20%), oroantral fistula (3 cases, 15%) and postoperative ankyloglossia (one case, 5%). RESULTS: Reconstruction was successful in 92% of cases (n=23). Total flap necrosis occurred in one case and dehiscence with exposure of bone in another. Oral function and ingestion were satisfactory in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The facial artery musculomucosal flap is reliable and versatile for reconstruction of small and medium-sized intraoral defects. It allows functional reconstruction of the oral cavity with a low risk of complications.