Porcine experimental model for perforator flap raising in reconstructive microsurgery.

BACKGROUND: Perforator free flap-based reconstruction of the head and neck is a challenging surgical procedure and needs a steep learning curve. A reproducible mammal large animal model with similarities to human anatomy is relevant for perforator flap raising and microanastomosis. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a swine model for perforator-based free flaps in reconstructive microsurgery. METHODS: Eleven procedures were performed under general anesthesia in a porcine model, elevating a skin flap vascularized by perforating musculocutaneous branches of the superior epigastric artery to evaluate the relevance of this model for head and neck reconstructive microsurgery. RESULTS: The anterior abdominal skin perforator-based free flap in a swine model irrigated by the superior epigastric artery was elevated in eleven procedures. In six of these procedures, we could perform an arterial and venous microanastomosis to the great vessels located in the base of the neck. CONCLUSIONS: The porcine experimental model of superior epigastric artery perforator-based free flap reconstruction offers relevant similarities to the human deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. We could demonstrate this model as acceptable for perforator free flap training due to the necessity of perforator and pedicle dissection and transfer to a distant area.

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

INTRODUCTION: to review the modifications and advances in reconstructive surgery of the soft tissues of the oral cavity exclusively based on flaps that depend on the facial artery system. METHODS: review of the literature regarding oral cavity reconstructions based on main facial artery system flaps. DISCUSSION: The reconstruction of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, based on facial artery system flaps, offers satisfactory results and allows limited reconstructions avoiding the use of pedicled regional flaps or free flaps. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of reconstructive options using the facial artery system in oral cavity surgery allows expanding reconstructive options for head and neck surgeons, enabling safe, high quality and effective reconstructions, with limited resources consumption.

Porcine experimental model for gracilis free flap transfer to the head and neck area with novel donor site description.

INTRODUCTION: Functional free tissue transfer in the form of muscle free flap is a challenging surgical procedure and needs a steep learning curve. A porcine model for free muscle transfer and insetting in a distant area is of great interest in reconstructive microsurgery due to the experience and learning curve necessary to perform these surgeries. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a swine model for gracilis muscle free transfer and to describe the donor site anatomy. METHODS: Ten gracilis free flap transfer surgery models were performed under general anesthesia in a porcine model, based on a vascular pedicle depending of the external iliac vessels and a branch of the obturator nerve with microsuture mediated connection to head and neck nerves and vessels. RESULTS: The gracilis myocutaneous or muscle-only free flap was successfully transferred in all cases using as receptors the vagus nerve, the common carotid artery, and the external or internal jugular veins. In two cases, nervous connection had to be redone. All vascular anastomoses were correctly functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the anatomical and design variations, porcine gracilis free flap transferred to the head and neck area with microvascular anastomosis and nerve connection provides a suitable training model for functional reconstructive microsurgery.

Utility and versatility of the supraclavicular artery island flap in head and neck reconstruction. / Utilidad y versatilidad del colgajo en isla de la arteria supraclavicular en reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello.

INTRODUCTION: The supraclavicular island flap is a rotational pedicled flap and may have some advantages in head and neck reconstruction compared with free-tissue transfer when this kind of reconstruction is not affordable or recommended. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present our experience during the year 2016 in the application of the supraclavicular island flap in five cases as an alternative to microvascular reconstruction in several defects after resection of head and neck tumours. In two patients, the flap was used to close the surgical pharyngostoma after total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy. In one patient, it was used in lateral facial reconstruction after partial resection of the temporal bone. In one case, it was used to close a skin defect after total laryngectomy with prelaryngeal tissue extension. And in the last case to close a neck skin defect after primary closure of a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula. There were no flap complications, and the result was satisfactory in all cases. RESULTS: The supraclavicular artery island flap is useful and versatile in head and neck reconstruction. Operating room time in aged patients or those with comorbidities will be reduced compared to free flaps. The surgical technique is relatively easy and can be used for skin and mucosal coverage. CONCLUSION: The supraclavicular island flap could be a recommended option in head and neck reconstruction, its use seems to be increasing and provides a safe and time-saving option to free flaps in selected patients.

Utilidad y versatilidad del colgajo en isla de la arteria supraclavicular en reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello / Utility and versatility of the supraclavicular artery island flap in head and neck reconstruction

Introducción: El colgajo supraclavicular en isla es un colgajo rotacional pediculado que puede presentar ciertas ventajas en reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello en pacientes donde una reconstrucción microvascularizada no sea factible o aconsejable. Material y métodos: Presentamos nuestra experiencia durante el año 2016 en 5 casos con la aplicación de este colgajo, como alternativa a una reconstrucción microvascularizada tras resección de distintos tumores de cabeza y cuello. En 2 casos se utilizó para reconstrucción del faringostoma quirúrgico tras laringectomía total con faringectomía parcial. En un caso para reconstrucción facial lateral tras resección parcial de temporal. En un caso para reconstrucción de un defecto cutáneo tras laringectomía total ampliada y en otro para cobertura cutánea tras el cierre primario de una fístula faringocutánea. No hubo complicaciones del colgajo y el resultado final fue satisfactorio en todos los casos. Resultados: El colgajo supraclavicular en isla presenta una utilidad y es muy versátil en reconstrucciones de cabeza y cuello. El tiempo quirúrgico en pacientes de riesgo se reducirá respecto a colgajos libres microvascularizados. Su técnica quirúrgica es relativamente sencilla y se adapta perfectamente a reconstrucciones mucosas o cutáneas. Conclusión: El colgajo supraclavicular en isla es una opción recomendable en reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello, su uso parece estar incrementándose y supone una alternativa segura y sobre todo rápida a los colgajos libres microvascularizados en pacientes seleccionados (AU)

Introduction: The supraclavicular island flap is a rotational pedicled flap and may have some advantages in head and neck reconstruction compared with free-tissue transfer when this kind of reconstruction is not affordable or recommended. Material and methods: We present our experience during the year 2016 in the application of the supraclavicular island flap in five cases as an alternative to microvascular reconstruction in several defects after resection of head and neck tumours. In two patients, the flap was used to close the surgical pharyngostoma after total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy. In one patient, it was used in lateral facial reconstruction after partial resection of the temporal bone. In one case, it was used to close a skin defect after total laryngectomy with prelaryngeal tissue extension. And in the last case to close a neck skin defect after primary closure of a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula. There were no flap complications, and the result was satisfactory in all cases. Results: The supraclavicular artery island flap is useful and versatile in head and neck reconstruction. Operating room time in aged patients or those with comorbidities will be reduced compared to free flaps. The surgical technique is relatively easy and can be used for skin and mucosal coverage. Conclusion: The supraclavicular island flap could be a recommended option in head and neck reconstruction, its use seems to be increasing and provides a safe and time-saving option to free flaps in selected patients (AU)

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

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo del siguiente trabajo es la revisión de las modificaciones y avances en cirugía reconstructiva de tejidos blandos de la cavidad oral basándonos exclusivamente en los principales colgajos que dependen de arterias nominadas del sistema de la arteria facial. MÉTODOS: Revisión de la literatura y la experiencia propia respecto a reconstrucciones de cavidad oral basadas en colgajos del sistema de la arteria facial. DISCUSIÓN: La reconstrucción de la cavidad oral basada en colgajos dependientes del sistema de la arteria facial ofrece resultados satisfactorios y permite realizar reconstrucciones limitadas evitando la utilización de colgajos pediculados regionales o de colgajos libres. CONCLUSIONES: El conocimiento de las opciones reconstructivas utilizando el sistema de la arteria facial en cirugía de la cavidad oral permitirá a los cirujanos de cabeza y cuello ampliar las opciones de reconstrucción, adaptar de forma efectiva las reconstrucciones a los defectos quirúrgicos, permitiendo un abordaje de alta calidad, seguro y con menor consumo de recursos

INTRODUCTION: to review the modifications and advances in reconstructive surgery of the soft tissues of the oral cavity exclusively based on flaps that depend on the facial artery system. METHODS: review of the literature regarding oral cavity reconstructions based on main facial artery system flaps. DISCUSSION: The reconstruction of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, based on facial artery system flaps, offers satisfactory results and allows limited reconstructions avoiding the use of pedicled regional flaps or free flaps. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of reconstructive options using the facial artery system in oral cavity surgery allows expanding reconstructive options for head and neck surgeons, enabling safe, high quality and effective reconstructions, with limited resources consumption