Clinical Practice Guidelines for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia / 대한연하장애학회지

Objective@#Dysphagia is a common clinical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. It is sub-classified into oropharyngeal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the mouth and pharynx, and esophageal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the esophageal body and esophagogastric junction. Dysphagia can have a significant negative impact one’s physical health and quality of life as its severity increases. Therefore, proper assessment and management of dysphagia are critical for improving swallowing function and preventing complications. Thus a guideline was developed to provide evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management in patients with dysphagia. @*Methods@#Nineteen key questions on dysphagia were developed. These questions dealt with various aspects of problems related to dysphagia, including assessment, management, and complications. A literature search for relevant articles was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and one domestic database of KoreaMed, until April 2021. The level of evidence and recommendation grade were established according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. @*Results@#Early screening and assessment of videofluoroscopic swallowing were recommended for assessing the presence of dysphagia. Therapeutic methods, such as tongue and pharyngeal muscle strengthening exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation with swallowing therapy, were effective in improving swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Nutritional intervention and an oral care program were also recommended. @*Conclusion@#This guideline presents recommendations for the assessment and management of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, including rehabilitative strategies.

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome: a case report

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1) gene. This syndrome is characterized by excessive production of uric acid, mental retardation, self-mutilation, choreoathetosis, and spasticity. The most distinctive symptom is compulsive self-mutilation. For patients with LNS, different methods have been tried to reduce self-biting behaviors including restraints, behavioral treatment, medications, deep brain stimulation, tooth extraction and botulinum toxin A injection. In this report, we present a case of LNS undergoing cheiloplasty due to self-mutilation and tooth extraction of the left deciduous maxillary canine.

The effect of FK506 (tacrolimus) loaded with collagen membrane and fibrin glue on promotion of nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve traction injury model / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#Peripheral nerve injury is one of the most common injuries that might occur in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of FK506 loaded with collagen membrane and fibrin glue on the promotion of nerve regeneration after traction nerve injury in a rat model. @*Methods@#Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: group A (n = 10), a sham group whose sciatic nerve was exposed without any injury; and groups B (n = 10) and C (n = 10), which underwent traction nerve injury using 200 g of traction force for 1 min. The injured nerve in group C was covered with a collagen membrane soaked with FK506 (0.5 mg/0.1 mL) and fibrin glue. Functional analysis and microscopic evaluation were performed at 2 and 4 weeks after injury. @*Results@#The sciatic function index was − 5.78 ± 3.07 for group A, − 20.69 ± 5.22 for group B, and − 12.01 ± 4.20 for group C at 2 weeks after injury. However, at 4 weeks, the sciatic function index was − 5.58 ± 2.45 for group A, − 19.69 ± 4.81 for group B, and − 11.95 ± 1.94 for group C. In both periods, statistically significant differences were found among the groups (p<0.017). Histomorphometric evaluation revealed improved nerve regeneration in group C compared to that in group B. However, no statistical differences in axonal density were found among the three groups (p < 0.017). @*Conclusion@#Localized FK506 with collagen membrane and fibrin glue could promote axonal regeneration in a rat model of traction nerve injury.

Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasizing to the oral cavity / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#Oral metastasis by hepatocellular carcinoma (OMHCC) is extremely rare, and the prognosis had been reported quite poor due to simultaneous multiple organ metastases. In this study, we report clinical features and survival of 10 new cases of OMHCC and suggest the criteria for palliative surgery. @*Methods@#A retrospective clinical study including 10 new cases of oral OMHCC between 2006 and 2016 was performed. Clinical features and survival analysis were examined. The recorded variables were age, sex, site of oral metastases, size of oral tumor (largest diameter), and survival after oral histopathologic diagnosis. @*Results@#There was male (n=8) predilection of OMHCC. The mean survival time was 16.9 months. Patient age ranged from 40 to 71 years (mean 56.5). Eight mandibular and two maxillary lesions were found. One patient showed simultaneously the maxilla and the oral tongue involvement. The most often encountered symptoms were swelling (80%) followed by pain (60%), numbness (60%), bleeding (10%), and tooth mobility (10%). Four patients underwent operation due to spontaneous bleeding and swelling of the cancer. Overall (from onset of hepatocellular carcinoma) and truncated survival (from onset of OMHCC) were 71.9 and 13.1 months respectively. @*Conclusion@#The prognosis of OMHCC was quite poor. Oral and jaw bone examination should be included in patients with multiple metastasis of HCC. Palliative surgery might be performed in patients who reported spontaneous bleeding, severe pain, and oral dysphasia due to tumor enlargement.

Functional and electron-microscopic changes after differential traction injury in the sciatic nerve of a rat / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#During maxillofacial trauma or oral cancer surgery, peripheral nerve might be damaged by traction injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional and histomorphometric changes after traction nerve injury in the sciatic nerve of a rat model. @*Methods@#A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into three groups: unstretched (sham/control, group A), stretched with 0.7N (group B) and 1.5N (group C). Traction injury was performed for 10 min in B and C groups. Functional recovery of the sciatic nerve was evaluated by walking track analysis, toe spread test, and pinprick test 2 weeks after injury. The weight of gastrocnemius muscles of both sides was measured to evaluate weight ratio (ipsilateral/contralateral). Total number of axons, axon fiber size, myelin thickness, G-ratio, axon number/mm 2 , diameter of fiber, changes of longitudinal width, and formation of the edema and hematoma were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. @*Results@#The sciatic function indexes were −11.48±4.0, −15.11±14.84, and −49.12±35.42 for groups A, B, and C, respectively. Pinprick test showed 3.0, 2.86±0.38, and 1.38±0.52 for A, B, and group C. Muscle weight ratios were 0.98±0.13 for group A, 0.70±0.10 for group B, and 0.54±0.05 for group C. There were significant differences in toe spread test, pinprick test, and muscle weight ratio between control group and experimental group (p<0.001). In the experimental group, fiber number, fiber size, G-ratio, fiber number/mm 2 , myelin thickness, diameter of fiber, and longitudinal width were decreased with statistical significance. @*Conclusion@#The present study demonstrated that the nerve traction injury in the rat sciatic nerve damaged the motor and sensory function and axonal integrity. The amount of functional nerve damage was proportional to the amount of traction power and dependent on the initial tensile strengths (0.7N and 1.5N).

Correction of malocclusion using sliding fibula osteotomy with sagittal split ramus osteotomy after mandible reconstruction / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#Fibula free flap mandible reconstruction is the standard procedure after wide resection of the mandible. Establishment and maintenance of normal occlusion are important in mandible reconstruction both intraoperatively and after surgery. However, scar formation on the surgical site can cause severe fibrosis and atrophy of soft tissue in the head and neck region.Case presentationHere, we report a case of severe soft tissue atrophy that appeared along with scar formation after mandibular reconstruction through the fibular free flap procedure. This led to normal occlusion collapse after it was established, and the midline of the mandible became severely deviated to the affected side that was replaced with the fibula free flap, leading to facial asymmetry. We corrected the malocclusion with a secondary operation: a sagittal split ramus osteotomy on the unaffected side and a sliding osteotomy on the previous fibula graft. After a healing time of 3 months, implants were placed on the fibula graft for additional occlusal stability. @*Conclusion@#We report satisfactory results from the correction of malocclusion after fibula reconstruction using sliding fibula osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy. The midline of the mandible returned to its original position and the degree of facial asymmetry was reduced. The implants reduced difficulties that the patient experienced with masticatory function.

Microvascular reconstruction for maxillofacial defects: a retrospective analysis of outcomes and complications in 121 consecutive cases / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#Microvascular reconstruction is the treatment of choice after oral cancer ablation surgery. There are few published studies of free flap survival among Korean populations. This study aimed to determine the survival rate after 121 consecutive cases of maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction and to analyze the complications associated with microsurgery. @*Methods@#This study included consecutive patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction with free flaps, from January 2006 through September 2019, performed by a single surgeon at the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a tertiary medical center. A total of 121 cases were reviewed retrospectively. The flap survival rate, flap type, radiotherapy history, complications, and treatment results were analyzed. @*Results@#Four different flap types were used for microvascular reconstruction: radial forearm (n = 65), fibula (n = 34), latissimus dorsi (n = 21), and serratus anterior muscle with rib bone free flap (n = 1). Total necrosis of the flap was found in four cases (two latissimus dorsi flaps and two fibular flaps). The free flap survival rate was 97.5%. Nineteen patients received radiotherapy before surgery, and none of them experienced flap failure. The mean operation time was 334 ± 83.1 min, and the mean ischemic time was 48.9 ± 12.7 min. @*Conclusions@#The success rate was reliable and comparable with previous studies. The success rate was not affected by radiation therapy. Free flaps can be safely used even after radiation treatment.

Correction of malocclusion using sliding fibula osteotomy with sagittal split ramus osteotomy after mandible reconstruction / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#Fibula free flap mandible reconstruction is the standard procedure after wide resection of the mandible. Establishment and maintenance of normal occlusion are important in mandible reconstruction both intraoperatively and after surgery. However, scar formation on the surgical site can cause severe fibrosis and atrophy of soft tissue in the head and neck region.Case presentationHere, we report a case of severe soft tissue atrophy that appeared along with scar formation after mandibular reconstruction through the fibular free flap procedure. This led to normal occlusion collapse after it was established, and the midline of the mandible became severely deviated to the affected side that was replaced with the fibula free flap, leading to facial asymmetry. We corrected the malocclusion with a secondary operation: a sagittal split ramus osteotomy on the unaffected side and a sliding osteotomy on the previous fibula graft. After a healing time of 3 months, implants were placed on the fibula graft for additional occlusal stability. @*Conclusion@#We report satisfactory results from the correction of malocclusion after fibula reconstruction using sliding fibula osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy. The midline of the mandible returned to its original position and the degree of facial asymmetry was reduced. The implants reduced difficulties that the patient experienced with masticatory function.

Microvascular reconstruction for maxillofacial defects: a retrospective analysis of outcomes and complications in 121 consecutive cases / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#Microvascular reconstruction is the treatment of choice after oral cancer ablation surgery. There are few published studies of free flap survival among Korean populations. This study aimed to determine the survival rate after 121 consecutive cases of maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction and to analyze the complications associated with microsurgery. @*Methods@#This study included consecutive patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction with free flaps, from January 2006 through September 2019, performed by a single surgeon at the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a tertiary medical center. A total of 121 cases were reviewed retrospectively. The flap survival rate, flap type, radiotherapy history, complications, and treatment results were analyzed. @*Results@#Four different flap types were used for microvascular reconstruction: radial forearm (n = 65), fibula (n = 34), latissimus dorsi (n = 21), and serratus anterior muscle with rib bone free flap (n = 1). Total necrosis of the flap was found in four cases (two latissimus dorsi flaps and two fibular flaps). The free flap survival rate was 97.5%. Nineteen patients received radiotherapy before surgery, and none of them experienced flap failure. The mean operation time was 334 ± 83.1 min, and the mean ischemic time was 48.9 ± 12.7 min. @*Conclusions@#The success rate was reliable and comparable with previous studies. The success rate was not affected by radiation therapy. Free flaps can be safely used even after radiation treatment.

Predicting Vascularized Bone Graft Viability Using 1-Week Postoperative Bone SPECT/CT After Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery / 대한핵의학회잡지

Purpose@#We aimed to evaluate the performance of hybrid bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) in predicting bone graft viability after maxillary or mandibular reconstructive surgery with vascularized bone grafts. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed 46 bone planar scintigraphy and SPECT/CT images of 45 adult patients taken at 1 week (5–8 days) after maxillary or mandibular reconstructive surgery with vascularized bone grafts. By visual analysis, two nuclear medicine physicians scored the uptake degrees of each bone graft segment compared with the calvarium uptake on planar bone scintigraphy and SPECT/CT, respectively (0 = absence of uptake, 1 = less uptake, 2 = similar uptake, and 3 = more uptake). The imaging results were compared with clinical follow-up for assessing bone graft viability. @*Results@#During follow-up, five bone graft segments were surgically removed and confirmed as nonviable—one had a score of 0, although the other four had a score of 1–3 on planar bone scintigraphy. All five bone graft segments were scored 0 on SPECT/CT and eventually confirmed as nonviable. All other graft segments with a score of > 1 on SPECT/CT were viable and uneventful.The anatomical CT information on SPECT/CT images was helpful in discriminating bone graft uptake from adjacent bone or soft tissue uptake. @*Conclusions@#The absence of tracer uptake by the vascularized bone graft on bone SPECT/CT at 1 week after maxillary or mandibular reconstructive surgery can predict graft failure. Bone SPECT/CT can be used to predict vascularized bone graft viability postoperatively.

Overall and disease-specific survival outcomes following primary surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma: analysis of consecutive 67 patients

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the predictive factors for survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and investigated the overall and disease-specific survival (DSS) outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 67 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for OSCC from January 2006 to November 2014 were included in this study. Patients were classified according to age, sex, pTNM stages, primary sites, smoking and alcohol drinking habits, depth of invasion, perineural and lymphovascular invasion, cell differentiation and postoperative radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate the survival categorized by patient groups. Cox regression methods were used to investigate the main independent predictors of survival. RESULTS: Nineteen patients died of OSCC during follow-up periods. Another five patients died of other diseases including lung adenocarcinoma (n=1), cerebral infarction (n=1), general weakness (n=2), and pneumonia (n=1). The tongue (n=16) was the most common site for primary origin, followed by buccal mucosa (n=15), mandibular gingiva (n=15), maxillary gingiva (n=9), floor of mouth (n=9), retromolar trigone (n=2), and palate (n=1). Eleven patients had pTNM stage I disease, followed by stage II (n=22) and stage IV (n=34). No patients had pTNM stage III disease in this study. The overall survival of all patients was 64.2% and the DSS was 71.6%. DSS of patients with stage I and II disease was 100%. Stepwise Cox regression showed the two predictors for DSS were pTNM stage (P<0.0001, odds ratio=19.633) and presence of metastatic lymph nodes (P=0.0004, odds ratio=0.1039). CONCLUSION: OSCC has been associated with poor prognosis; however, there were improved survival outcomes compared with past studies. Advanced-stage disease and presence of metastatic lymph nodes were associated with poorer survival compared with early-stage OSCC and absence of neck node metastasis. Stage I and II OSCC were associated with excellent survival results in this study.

Overall and disease-specific survival outcomes following primary surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma: analysis of consecutive 67 patients

OBJECTIVES@#This study evaluated the predictive factors for survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and investigated the overall and disease-specific survival (DSS) outcomes.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A total of 67 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for OSCC from January 2006 to November 2014 were included in this study. Patients were classified according to age, sex, pTNM stages, primary sites, smoking and alcohol drinking habits, depth of invasion, perineural and lymphovascular invasion, cell differentiation and postoperative radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate the survival categorized by patient groups. Cox regression methods were used to investigate the main independent predictors of survival.@*RESULTS@#Nineteen patients died of OSCC during follow-up periods. Another five patients died of other diseases including lung adenocarcinoma (n=1), cerebral infarction (n=1), general weakness (n=2), and pneumonia (n=1). The tongue (n=16) was the most common site for primary origin, followed by buccal mucosa (n=15), mandibular gingiva (n=15), maxillary gingiva (n=9), floor of mouth (n=9), retromolar trigone (n=2), and palate (n=1). Eleven patients had pTNM stage I disease, followed by stage II (n=22) and stage IV (n=34). No patients had pTNM stage III disease in this study. The overall survival of all patients was 64.2% and the DSS was 71.6%. DSS of patients with stage I and II disease was 100%. Stepwise Cox regression showed the two predictors for DSS were pTNM stage (P<0.0001, odds ratio=19.633) and presence of metastatic lymph nodes (P=0.0004, odds ratio=0.1039).@*CONCLUSION@#OSCC has been associated with poor prognosis; however, there were improved survival outcomes compared with past studies. Advanced-stage disease and presence of metastatic lymph nodes were associated with poorer survival compared with early-stage OSCC and absence of neck node metastasis. Stage I and II OSCC were associated with excellent survival results in this study.

Dysphasia due to Oral Anomaly / 대한연하장애학회지

Dysphasia related to oral anomaly is a common situation in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The etiology of oral anomalies causing dysphasia can be divided into congenital and acquired disease. Congenital diseases include teratoma or benign tumors and congenital defects such as cleft lip and palate. Benign tumors include cystic hygroma in the neck and hemangioma in the tongue. Certain syndromes with macroglossia and micrognathia are also related to difficulty in swallowing. The three common syndromes are Pierre-Robin syndrome, Beckwith-Widermann syndrome and ectodermal dysplasia. Taken together, these congenital diseases require a multi-discipline approach to obtain optimal results. Representative disease of acquired dysphasia is the oral cavity cancer. Cancer ablation results in tissue defect and decreased motor function. Free flap reconstruction is the choice of treatment following oral cavity caner operation; however, dysphasia after cancer operation is inevitable. In this review article, the full scopes of oral anomaly associated with dysphasia were classified and treatment was suggested.

Dental Problems Associated with Radiation Therapy / 대한연하장애학회지

Dental problems associated with radiation therapy are difficult to treat because of the irreversible nature of radiation therapy and permanent tissue damage. Common oral complications include oral mucosa ulceration, xerostomia, and radiation caries. Other oral complications found infrequently are mouth opening limitation and osteonecrosis of the jaw bone. The acute complication of oral ulceration is associated with dysphagia. In addition, delayed complications, such as xerostomia and dental caries, could lower the quality of life, particularly in terms of chewing and swallowing. The treatment of each complication is dependent on the condition and severity. Symptomatic treatment to relieve pain and discomfort is typical for oral complications. Surgical and radical resection is required for the advanced stage of osteoradionecrosis. In this review, oral complications and their treatments are suggested for clinical guidance.

Desmoplastic melanoma of the oral cavity: diagnostic pitfalls and clinical characteristics

OBJECTIVES: Desmoplastic melanoma of the oral cavity is an extremely rare condition that is often confused on initial diagnosis with non-melanotic benign lesion or spindle cell tumors. The purpose of this article was to raise awareness of the disease using a literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 19 desmoplastic melanoma cases reported in the literature and added our experience. Data on clinical, histopathology, treatment, and survival were retrieved and analyzed. Survival analysis was by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Initial clinical and histopathological features were indistinctive, and a definite diagnosis of desmoplastic melanoma at initial assessment was possible in only 23.5% of cases. Among tests, immunohistochemical studies for S-100 and vimentin were all positive. The 5-year disease-free survival rate for oral desmoplastic melanoma was 0%, and the 5-year overall survival rate was 55.0%. CONCLUSION: Oral desmoplastic melanoma has a high percentage of initial misdiagnosis and propensity for local recurrence. Thus, careful initial diagnosis and adequate surgery may result in improved overall survival.

Prosthetic Treatment after Oral Cancer Ablation / 대한연하장애학회지

Ablative surgery for oral cancer treatment results in tissue defect. Large tissue defect requires free flap reconstruction that requires long operation time. Maxillectomy involves the teeth and maxilla that separates the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity from oral cavity. Resection of the maxilla causes oro-antral or oro-nasal fistula, which results in difficulty while chewing and swallowing. Regurgitation of the ingested food into the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity makes it difficult for a patient to digest. Obliteration of the fistula is the most important part of dental prosthesis in patients who underwent maxillectomy. Local flap is indicated when the fistula is less than 10mm, however, larger sized defects are closed with free flap or obturator. The decision of treatments should be based on patient's general condition, risk of recurrence, size of the defect and financial aspect.

Surgical management of idiopathic bone cavity: case series of consecutive 27 patients

OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic bone cavity (IBC) is an uncommon intra-osseous cavity of unknown etiology. Clinical features of IBC are not well known and treatment modalities of IBC are controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of 27 IBC patients who underwent surgical exploration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 27 consecutive patients who underwent surgery due to a jaw bone cavity from April 2006 to February 2016 were included in this study. Nine male and 18 female patients were enrolled. Patients were examined retrospectively regarding primary site, history of trauma, graft material, radiographic size of the lesion, presence of interdental scalloping, erosion of the inferior border of the mandible, complications, results of bone graft, and recurrence. RESULTS: Female dominance was found. Maxillary lesion was found in one patient, and bilateral posterior mandibular lesions were found in two patients. The other patients showed a single mandibular lesion. The posterior mandible (24 cases) was the most common site of IBC, followed by the anterior mandible (5 cases). Two patients with anterior mandibular lesion reported history of trauma due to car accident, while the others denied any trauma history. Radiographic cystic cavity length over 30 mm was found in 10 patients. Seven patients showed erosion of the mandibular inferior border. The operations performed were surgical exploration, curettage, and bone or collagen graft. One bilateral IBC patient showed recurrence of the lesion during follow-up. Grafted bone was integrated into the native mandibular bone without infection. One patient reported necrosis of the mandibular incisor pulp after operation. CONCLUSION: Differential diagnosis of IBC is difficult, and IBC is often confused with periapical cyst. Surgical exploration and bone graft are recommended for treating IBC. Endodontic treatment of involved teeth should be evaluated before operation. Bone graft is recommended to reduce the healing period.

Frequency of bone graft in implant surgery / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Implant surgery has become popular with the advance of surgical techniques such as sinus lifting, guided bone regeneration, and block bone graft. However, there were no data about the frequency of bone graft during implant surgery. The purpose of this study was to report the frequency and types of bone graft depending on dental implant patients' profile to complement the database regarding implant surgery. METHODS: The implant operations had been performed from January 2006 to October 2014. The upper and lower jaws were divided into six sextants. A total of 792 sextants were included in this study. Patient information including sex, age, sites, bone graft, and types of bone were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 1512 implants had been placed. Male and female sextants were 421 and 371, respectively (M:F = 1:0.88). Average age was 54.3 (ranging from 20 to 88 years old). Implants were placed in the posterior maxilla (322 sextants, 40.7 %), posterior mandible (286 sextants, 36.1 %), anterior maxilla (127 sextants, 16.1 %), and anterior mandible (57 sextants, 7.2 %). Bone graft was performed in 50.3 % of the sextants. Among the bone grafted sites, sinus lifting with lateral approach (22.1 %) and guided bone regeneration (22.7 %) were performed most frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Bone graft in implant surgery was necessary to augment defects. More than half of the sextants needed bone graft for implant installation.

Surgical implications of anatomical variation in anterolateral thigh flaps for the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects: focus on perforators and pedicles

OBJECTIVES: To gain information on anatomical variation in anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in a series of clinical cases, with special focus on perforators and pedicles, for potential use in reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients who underwent microvascular reconstructive surgery with ALT free flaps after ablative surgery for oral cancer were included. The number of perforators included in cutaneous flaps, location of perforators (septocutaneous or musculocutaneous), and the course of vascular pedicles were intraoperatively investigated. RESULTS: Four cases with a single perforator and four cases with multiple perforators were included in the ALT flap designed along the line from anterior superior iliac spine to patella. Three cases had perforators running the septum between the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscle (septocutaneous type), and five cases had perforators running in the vastus lateralis muscle (musculocutaneous type). Regarding the course of vascular pedicles, five cases were derived from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (type I), and three cases were from the transverse branch (type II). CONCLUSION: Anatomical variation affecting the distribution of perforators and the course of pedicles might prevent use of an ALT free flap in various reconstruction cases. However, these issues can be overcome with an understanding of anatomical variation and meticulous surgical dissection. ALT free flaps are considered reliable options for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the oral and maxillofacial area.

Fibular flap for mandible reconstruction in osteoradionecrosis of the jaw: selection criteria of fibula flap / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis is the most dreadful complication after head and neck irradiation. Orocutaneous fistula makes patients difficult to eat food. Fibular free flap is the choice of the flap for mandibular reconstruction. Osteocutaneous flap can reconstruct both hard and soft tissues simultaneously. This study was to investigate the success rate and results of the free fibular flap for osteoradionecrosis of the mandible and which side of the flap should be harvested for better reconstruction. METHODS: A total of eight consecutive patients who underwent fibula reconstruction due to jaw necrosis from March 2008 to December 2015 were included in this study. Patients were classified according to stages, primary sites, radiation dose, survival, and quality of life. RESULTS: Five male and three female patients underwent operation. The mean age of the patients was 60.1 years old. Two male patients died of recurred disease of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The mean dose of radiation was 70.5 Gy. All fibular free flaps were survived. Five patients could eat normal diet after operation; however, three patients could eat only soft diet due to loss of teeth. Five patients reported no change of speech after operation, two reported worse speech ability, and one patient reported improved speech after operation. The ipsilateral side of the fibular flap was used when intraoral soft tissue defect with proximal side of the vascular pedicle is required. The contralateral side of the fibular flap was used when extraoral skin defect with proximal side of the vascular pedicle is required. CONCLUSIONS: Osteonecrosis of the jaw is hard to treat because of poor healing process and lack of vascularity. Free fibular flap is the choice of the surgery for jaw bone reconstruction and soft tissue fistula repair. The design and selection of the right or left fibular is dependent on the available vascular pedicle and soft tissue defect sites.