Artery Grafting for Arterial Anastomoses in Head and Neck Free Tissue Transfer Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Vessel grafting is an important technique in head and neck free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction when a tension-free anastomosis is not otherwise feasible. To our knowledge, there are limited data regarding interposition artery grafts for arterial anastomoses in head and neck reconstruction. Here, we present a multi-institutional cohort of arterial interposition grafts for FTT reconstruction for head and neck defects. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted at four tertiary care institutions for patients who underwent FTT reconstruction for head and neck defects which utilized an interposition artery graft for the arterial anastomosis. Charts were reviewed for type and length of artery grafts harvested, surgical indication, indication for artery graft, types of flaps harvested, and various preoperative characteristics (including history of radiation or previous FTT reconstruction surgery). Postoperative complications within postoperative day 30 were measured and reported. RESULTS: Nine patients met inclusion criteria. The lateral circumflex femoral artery (either transverse or descending branches) (n = 3) and facial artery (n = 3) were the most commonly harvested arteries. The scalp (n = 5) was the most common primary defect site. Seven grafts were harvested initially and in a planned fashion, while two were harvested as salvage techniques (either for flap salvage or vein graft failure). In planned grafts, arteries were the preferred interposition grafting method due to either size match preferences (n = 4) or similarities in wall thickness (n = 3) between graft and recipient artery. There were no reported cases of unplanned readmission, postoperative hematoma, fistula formation, wound infection, or donor site morbidities. Two patients required unplanned return to the operating room for flap compromise, both of which ultimately resulted in flap failure secondary to clot formation at both arterial and venous anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: When arterial pedicle length is insufficient, interposition artery grafting is both a feasible and viable technique to achieve tension-free arterial anastomoses for select cases of highly complex head and neck free tissue reconstruction.

Examining Trends in Implantable Arterial Doppler Usage Among North American Head and Neck Microsurgeons: A Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: There are variations in implantable arterial Doppler usage for microvascular free tissue monitoring among North American surgeons. Identifying utilization trends among the microvascular community may elucidate practice patterns that may be useful in determining protocols. Furthermore, study of this information may yield novel and unique applications in other disciplines such as vascular surgery. METHODS: Electronically disseminated survey study shared with a large database of North American head and neck microsurgeons. RESULTS: Seventy four percent of respondents use the implantable arterial Doppler; 69% report use in all cases. Ninety five percent remove the Doppler by the seventh postoperative day. All respondents felt that the Doppler did not impede care progression. Any implication of flap compromise was followed with a clinical assessment in 100% of respondents. If viable, 89% would continue monitoring after clinical examination, while 11% would take the patient for exploration regardless of clinical examination. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the implantable arterial Doppler has been established in the literature and is supported by the results of this study. Further investigation is required to establish a consensus on use guidelines. The implantable Doppler is more often used in conjunction with rather than substitution for clinical examination.

Impact of smoking on donor site following rectus flap harvest for head and neck reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap has been widely used as a reconstructive option in head and neck reconstruction with great success. Challenging the popular assumption, this study sought to examine the effects of smoking on donor site complications in this population. METHODS: Multi-institution retrospective study of 103 patients (50 active smokers, 28 former and 25 never smoked). RESULTS: Overall complication rate was 14.5 %. Hernia rate 4.8 %, evisceration 0 %, dehiscence 2.9 %, infection 6.7 %. Smoking history did not significantlly influence complication rates (chi square test, p = 0.33). Abdominal wall closure technique also did not influence the complication rate (chi square test, p = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: The rectus abdomonis myocutaneous free flap has an acceptable complication rate that does not appear to be influenced by smoking history. While patients should be counseled regarding smoking cessation, smoking habits should not delay treatment nor obviate consideration of rectus flap utilization.

Acellular cadaveric dermal matrix grafts for orbital wall reconstruction in patients with sinonasal malignancies.

PURPOSE: To describe the utilization of acellular cadaveric dermal matrix (ACDM) in patients undergoing orbital wall reconstruction after orbital preservation surgery for sinonasal malignancy. METHODS: Retrospective case series of seven patients with sinonasal malignancy who had orbital reconstruction with ACDM implants from January 2012 to August 2020. Orbital preservation was performed in all patients with tumor extension up to and including periorbital. The main outcome measures were implant exposure, orbital infection, diplopia in primary gaze, enophthalmos, and eyelid malposition. RESULTS: Patients ranged 37-78 years old (median: 66 years) and included 4 females and 3 males. The median follow-up time was 9 months (range 6-43 months) from the date of surgery. Squamous cell carcinoma comprised the majority of tumors with all patients needing medial wall reconstruction. Three patients received postoperative radiation therapy. No patients had any implant exposure, orbital infection, enophthalmos, or eyelid malposition. CONCLUSIONS: ACDM grafts can be used safely in orbital wall reconstruction in patients with sinonasal malignancies.

Simultaneous maxillary and mandibular reconstruction with a single Osteocutaneous fibula free flap: A description of three cases.

Large defects that comprise both the maxilla and mandible prove to be difficult reconstructive endeavors and commonly require two free tissue transfers. Three cases are presented to discuss an option for simultaneous reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects using a single osteocutaneous fibula free flap. The first case describes a 16-year-old male with a history of extensive facial trauma sustained in a boat propeller accident resulting in a class IId maxillary and 5 cm mandibular defect status post three failed reconstructive surgeries; the second, a 33-year-old male with recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma of the muscles of mastication with resultant hemi-mandibulectomy and class IId maxillary defects; and lastly, a 48-year-old male presenting after a failed scapular free flap to reconstruct defects resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which included a 5 cm defect of the right mandibular body and 4.5 cm defect of the inferior maxillary bone. In all cases, a single osteocutaneous fibula free flap was used in two bone segments; one to obturate the maxillary defect and restore alveolar bone and the other to reconstruct the mandibular defect. The most recent patient was able to undergo implantable dental rehabilitation. Postoperatively, the free flaps were viable and masticatory function was restored in all patients during a follow-up range of 2-4 years.

Taking an Idea from Inception to Innovation: Evolution in Restrictive Transfusion Criteria.

Innovation in surgical care is a complex procedure. When you reflect on how your practice has changed, whether it be 5 years or over decades, it can be enlightening to not only see the change but also conceptualize how it came about. Examining one's practice as part of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index or as a result of reading the literature, attending a meeting, or some other educational activity can lead one to question if there is a better method available. In this manuscript, I will describe how outside influences initiated a paradigm shift that ultimately benefited patient care, the system, and my practice. The methodology has been used over the course of my career to influence and modulate practice patterns.

Advances in Oromandibular Reconstruction with Three-Dimensional Printing.

The mandibular structures are a complex anatomical structure that is fundamental to many physiological and homeostatic functions. It may be involved in many pathological processes that require partial or complete removal. When this happens, reconstruction is mandatory to improve cosmetic outcome with its effect on social interaction as well as to provide an opportunity for complete dental rehabilitation with restoration of all physiological functions. This article will review the different reconstructive options available for complex defects of the mandibular complex. It will highlight the surgical options available to maximize functional restoration. Finally, it will discuss computer modeling to optimize reconstructive planning.

Combined endoscopic and transcervical approach for free flap reconstruction of nasopharyngeal and clival defects: A case report.

We report a case during which a new method of reconstruction for a nasopharyngeal and skull base defect was successfully performed. A 45-year-old female with granulomatosis with polyangiitis presented with computed tomography (CT) findings demonstrative of chronic clival and cervical spine osteomyelitis secondary to nasopharyngeal destruction. The posterior nasopharyngeal defect, evident as a wide area of mucosal erosion exposing the clivus centrally, was successfully reconstructed with an anterior serratus muscle-free tissue transfer via both transcervical and endoscopic transnasal approaches utilizing a laparoscopic fixation device, a previously unreported method for free flap inset, to secure the free flap. The patient tolerated this well and no major complications were encountered. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was without signs of cerebrospinal fluid leak or sequelae of infectious complications, including meningitis and osteomyelitis. A combined transcervical and endoscopic transnasal approach using a laparoscopic fixation device for free flap inset can be an effective method to reconstruct posterior nasopharyngeal defects in those patients whom local reconstructive options are not available.

Digital imaging evaluation of the scapula for prediction of endosteal implant placement in reconstruction of oromandibular defects with scapular free flaps.

OBJECTIVE: Dental implant placement in scapular free flaps is challenging. This study examines the scapula with computed tomography to identify ideal locations for predictable implant placement during preoperative planning. METHODS: Sixty-eight adult patient chest CT scans (34 men, 34 women) captured for various medical indications, were analyzed for age, height, weight, and scapula length. The lateral border of the scapula was divided into six equal segments; the midpoints of each segment (labeled proximally to distally as 1M-6M) were analyzed in cross-section as potential recipient sites for 3.5 × 8 mm implants. Also, we present a case of a 77-year-old male with ameloblastoma of the mandible who underwent patient specific planning and received a scapular free flap with dental implant placement. RESULTS: There was greater bone availability in males with a mean depth of 8.3 ± 2.8 versus 5.1 ± 3.3 mm in females (p < .01). The proximal portion (1M) of the scapula in males and females had depths of 11.3 ± 1.5 and 9.5 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. Males had depths of 8.4 ± 3.0 in M3, 9.7 ± 1.7 in M4, and 8.9 ± 1.2 mm in M6. Depth of bone available for patients with heights ≥165 cm versus <165 cm had means of 10.4 ± 1.3 and 8.0 ± 1.6 mm (p < .01), respectively; but showed no significant differences between BMI (BMI <25 vs. ≥25) and bone availability (6.8 ± 1.7 vs. 6.8 ± 1.6, p = .07), or age (<55 years vs. ≥55 years) and bone availability (9.8 ± 1.6 vs. 9.8 ± 1.6, p = .11). In our case, the patient received 6 cm length of scapular bone with four 4.1 × 14 mm endosteal implants, which upon osseointegration was able to receive a fixed dental prosthesis. Three years after the initial surgery, the patient has had no difficulty with his prosthesis. CONCLUSION: In females the most proximal portion of the scapula will predictably accommodate a dental implant, while males have multiple sites including the proximal, middle, and distal portions.

Morbidity and Functional Outcomes With Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction in Patients Aged 90 Years or Older.

PURPOSE: Morbidity of free tissue transfer in the extremes of age is controversial and not well studied in patients aged 90 years or older because of the rarity of these patients and many clinicians' natural hesitancy to perform such a large operation in patients of this group. The purpose of this study was to answer the following clinical question: Do patients aged 90 years or older who undergo free flap reconstruction have worse functional outcomes than their younger counterparts? MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged 90 years or older who underwent free flap reconstruction at Oregon Health and Science University Hospital from 2000 to 2015. All patients aged 90 years or older undergoing free flap reconstruction were included. Patients younger than 90 years during the same period were randomly selected to serve as controls. RESULTS: Free flap reconstructions were performed in 14 patients aged 90 years or older, who were then compared with their randomly selected controls. The only statistically significant difference observed in the outcome variables analyzed was the location of discharge from the hospital, with the older patients more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility (P = .002). However, there was no difference in return-to-baseline level of care at last follow-up between the 2 groups. There also was no statistically significant difference in major or minor medical or surgical complication rates, duration of hospitalization, duration of tracheostomy, return to baseline respiratory status, or return to baseline feeding status between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients aged 90 years or older are more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility than their younger counterparts, but otherwise have similar outcomes in terms of complications and return to baseline function. The results of this study suggest that age 90 years or older should not be a direct contraindication for free flap reconstruction in the head and neck.

Internal Mammary Vessels: Alternate Recipient Vessels in Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction.

The application of microvascular free tissue transfer for reconstruction of the head and neck is well established. Improved outcomes, as well as surgical and technologic advances, have broadened the applications of microvascular free flaps in these defects. Postoperative complications such as pharyngocutaneous fistulas, tracheal or esophageal stenoses, or recurrent pathology may occasionally require secondary or even tertiary reconstruction with free tissue transfers. The disrupted anatomy and fibrotic changes resulting from primary reconstruction, neck dissection, and irradiation present the surgeon with a high risk of provoking vascular or nervous injury when dissecting in previously operated or irradiated sites. This prompts a search for alternative recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis. The transverse cervical, inferior thyroid, and thyrocervical trunk arteries have all been proposed as alternative recipient vessels. The internal mammary vessels (IMVs) have a proven record in breast reconstruction, but recently have been found to have an application in special circumstances in head and neck reconstruction. This investigation describes the advantages of the IMVs as suitable recipient vessels for head and neck reconstruction when access to traditional vasculature is unavailable.

Masseteric Nerve Transfer for Facial Paralysis Secondary to Parotid Malignancy: A Retrospective Case Series.

Background: The objective outcomes of masseteric nerve transfer in the setting of parotid malignancy are unclear. Objective: To measure objective facial reanimation outcomes of masseteric nerve transfer in patients with parotid malignancy who underwent parotidectomy with facial nerve resection. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent masseteric nerve transfer for facial paralysis secondary to parotid malignancy was carried out at a tertiary referral hospital from August 2017 to November 2021. Objective facial reanimation outcomes were analyzed using Emotrics. Minimal follow-up of 6 months was required for inclusion. Results: Eight patients (five males) with a median age of 75.5 years (range 53-91) met inclusion criteria. Fifty percent had metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, and 50% had primary parotid malignancy. Five patients underwent concomitant cancer resection with facial nerve reconstruction. Seven patients received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. After reinnervation, patients had improved oral commissure excursion (from 1.51 mm ±1.27 to 3.77 mm ±1.81; p < 0.01) and facial symmetry during smile. Conclusion: In this study, masseteric nerve transfer enhanced oral commissure excursion and facial symmetry during smile in patients with parotid malignancy and facial nerve resection.

Long-Term Plate Complications in Patient-Specific Plates Utilizing Computer-Aided Design.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the long-term plate complications with patient-specific plates (PSPs) created with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for fibula free flap reconstructions for mandibular defects. METHODS: Retrospective chart review from January 2010 to July 2022 of patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with a fibula free flap and PSP. Primary outcome was plating-related complications, defined as plate exposure, fracture, loose screws, and plate removal. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients underwent PSP fibula reconstruction. Average age was 59.8 + 14.3 years old with male to female ratio of 2:1. Squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible was the most common reason for resection, 47.5%, n = 105. Plate removal occurred in 11% of patients (n = 25) about 17.4 months after the initial surgery. Plates were removed due to exposure (76%, n = 19) or screw loosening (24%, n = 6). Malignancy was associated with an increased risk of plate complications when compared to benign tumor (odds ratio [OR] 9.04, confidence interval [CI] 1.36-3.85), osteonecrosis (OR 1.38, CI 0.59-3.48), and trauma (OR 1.26, CI 0.23-12.8). Postoperative radiation therapy (OR 2.27, CI 1.07-4.82, p = 0.026) and surgical site infection (OR 9.22, CI 4.11-21.88, p = 0.001) were associated with more plate complications. CONCLUSIONS: CAD creates PSPs that remain stable in the majority of patients over the long term. Plate removal is less compared to non-PSP reconstruction. Consideration of the soft tissue envelope over the plate and management of perioperative infection at the time of surgery should be entertained. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Outcomes Following Treatment for Carotid Blowout in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine outcomes after interventional radiology treatment of carotid blowout. METHODS: Patients with head and neck cancer and who received interventional radiology treatment for carotid blowout between 2000 and 2022 were included. Pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Fourteen patients met inclusion criteria. Eleven patients (78.6%) had a history of radiation. Twelve (85.7%) blowouts occurred within 6 months of recent intervention. Initial treatment was with stenting (n = 9, 64.3%), coil embolization (n = 4, 28.6%), or both (n = 1, 7.1%). Six patients (42.9%) underwent subsequent carotid bypass. Morbidity following treatment included stroke (n = 1) and rebleeding (n = 4). Six-month survival was 57.1%. Of the patients who survived past six months, 5/8 were treated with carotid bypass and coverage. Four patients died of cancer progression, three of rebleeding, and three of medical complications. CONCLUSION: The majority of carotid blowout occurs within 6 months of surgery or radiation. Many who survive will die of cancer progression or medical illness. Carotid bypass with flap coverage may be a worthwhile treatment for carotid blowout and should be considered as an adjunct to endovascular treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:695-700, 2024.

Acute and definitive management of oropharyngeal hemorrhage in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.

BACKGROUND: Massive oropharyngeal bleeding post-chemoradiotherapy is a life-threatening condition that requires emergent management. METHODS: This retrospective case series included 11 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who suffered from massive bleeding during or following treatment with definitive chemoradiotherapy. Details of acute and definitive management of oropharyngeal bleeding are reported. RESULTS: Nine of 11 hemorrhagic events occurred a mean (SD) of 88.6 days (53.6) after radiotherapy. Airway intubation and embolization were performed in 10 of 11 patients, followed by surgery in 7 of 11 patients. The most commonly embolized vessels were the external carotid and lingual arteries. At the time of discharge, 3 of 11 patients had a tracheostomy, and 7 of 11 continued to use a gastrostomy tube. Four patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Hemorrhagic complications in oropharyngeal cancer treatment require emergent responses. Developing a workflow for coordination between multidisciplinary teams can maximize probability of survival and decrease morbidity.

Use of Perioperative Virtual Reality Experiences on Anxiety and Pain: A Randomized Comparative Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different virtual reality (VR) experiences on perioperative anxiety and pain among patients undergoing head and neck surgery. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, comparative trial among patients undergoing outpatient head and neck surgery from December 2021 to April 2022 at a single academic institution. Group 1 utilized a preoperative VR gaming experience and a postoperative VR mindfulness experience, while Group 2 utilized the same interventions in the reverse order. Anxiety and pain were measured using visual analog scales (VAS). Primary outcomes were changes in post-intervention anxiety and pain. Secondary outcomes included vital sign changes and subjective patient experiences using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: There were 32 patients randomized for inclusion, with 16 patients per group. The majority of patients were female (65.6%) and mean (standard deviation) age was 47.3 (16.7) years. After outlier exclusion, there were no differences in post-intervention preoperative anxiety reduction (Group 1 vs. Group 2, median [IQR]: -12.0 [15] vs. -10.5 [13], p = 0.62). There were minor differences in vital sign changes (p < 0.05). Among the 10 patients in Group 1 and 12 patients in Group 2 who completed postoperative VR use, there were no differences in post-intervention pain reduction (-8.5 [22.3] vs. -7.5 [19.3], p = 0.95) or vital sign changes (p > 0.05). There were no differences in questionnaire responses, with high satisfaction in both groups (p > 0.05). No adverse events encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Use of different VR experiences among patients undergoing outpatient head and neck surgery appears associated with similar reductions in perioperative anxiety and pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 134:1197-1202, 2024.

Microvascular reconstruction of midface osteoradionecrosis.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the midface requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction is uncommon. This multi-institutional study was designed to review outcomes for this rare patient population. METHODS: Retrospective multi-institutional review of FF reconstruction for midface ORN (2005-2022; n = 54). RESULTS: The FF survival rate was 87% (n = 54). Patients were less likely to be tolerating a regular diet at 3 months postoperative if they had a preoperative history of prior head and surgery (80% vs. 95%; p = 0.02), a pathologic fracture (50% vs. 90%; p = 0.04), exposed bone intraorally (43% vs. 94%; p = 0.002), or a fistula (67% vs. 96%; p = 0.03). Mean albumin was higher in patients whose FF survived (3.6 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 1.4; p = 0.03). Patients with low prealbumin were more likely to undergo a hematoma evacuation (27% vs. 0%; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In this series of midface ORN requiring FF reconstruction preoperative nutritional status impacted postoperative complications. Preoperative occurrence of a fistula, pathologic fracture, and intraoral bone exposure correlated with decreased tolerance of a regular diet following reconstruction.

Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction of Cervical Spine Defects: A Multi-Institutional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical spine defects result in spinal instability, putting the spinal cord and vertebral arteries at risk of damage and possibly devastating neurological injuries. The fibula free flap can span the spinal defects for stability. There is a paucity of literature on this technique. METHOD: Multi-institutional retrospective case series reviewing patients who underwent cervical spine reconstruction with a fibula free flap. Patient demographic information, comorbidities, characteristics of cervical spine defects, and free flap complications were collected. RESULTS: A total of 1187 fibula free flaps across 10 different institutions were reviewed. Thirteen patients (1.09%) underwent cervical spine reconstruction with a fibula free flap. Average age was 52.3 years old with an age range of 12-79 years. There were six males (46.1%) and seven females (53.8%). The most common defect etiology was infection (n = 6, 46.1%). Most commonly involved cervical spine level of the defect was C5 (n = 10) followed by C6 (n = 9) and C4 (n = 8). The majority of reconstructed defects spanned three or more cervical levels, (n = 9, 69.2%). Facial artery was the most common arterial anastomosis (n = 8). Eight patients (61.5%) required a tracheostomy during their postoperative course. None of the patients had symptomatic or radiographic nonunion. CONCLUSION: This case series demonstrates that a vascularized fibula flap is a potential reconstructive option for cervical spine defects, especially in defects greater than three cervical levels, in the setting of infection, and previously radiated patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Free flap reconstruction following head and neck trauma.

BACKGROUND: Free flap (FF) reconstruction of traumatic injuries to the head and neck is uncommon. METHODS: Multi-institutional retrospective case series of patients undergoing FF reconstruction for a traumatic injury (n = 103). RESULTS: Majority were gunshot wounds (GSW; 85%, n = 88) and motor vehicle accidents (11%, n = 11). Majority underwent osseous reconstruction (82%, n = 84). FF failures (9%, n = 9/103) occurred in GSW patients (100%, n = 9/9) and when multiple subsites were injured (89%, n = 8/9). Preoperative antibiotics correlated with lower rates of a neck washouts (4% vs. 19%) (p = 0.01) and 30-day readmissions (4% vs. 17%) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: All FF failures occurred in the setting of a GSW and the majority involved multiple subsites. Preoperative antibiotics correlated with lower rates of postoperative washout procedures and 30-day readmission.