The Pros and Cons of Computer-Aided Surgery for Segmental Mandibular Reconstruction after Oncological Surgery

Computer-aided surgery (CAS) started being used for head and neck reconstruction in the late 2000s. Its use represented a paradigm shift, changing the concept of head and neck reconstruction as well as mandible reconstruction. Reconstruction using CAS proceeds through 4 phases: planning, modeling, surgery, and evaluation. Thus, it can overcome a number of trial-and-error issues which may occur in the operative field and reduce surgical time. However, if it is used for oncologic surgery, it is difficult to evaluate tumor margins during tumor surgery, thereby restricting pre-surgical planning. Therefore, it is dangerous to predetermine the resection margins during the pre-surgical phase and the variability of the resection margins must be taken into consideration. However, it allows for the preparation of a prebending plate and planning of an osteotomy site before an operation, which are of great help. If the current problems are resolved, its applications can be greatly extended.

Reconstruction of Postburn Contracture of the Forefoot Using the Anterolateral Thigh Flap

BACKGROUND: Severe forefoot deformities, particularly those involving the dorsum of the foot, cause inconvenience in daily activities of living including moderate pain on the dorsal aspect of the contracted foot while walking and difficulty in wearing nonsupportive shoes due to toe contractures. This paper presents clinical results of reconstruction of severe forefoot deformity using the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. METHODS: Severe forefoot deformities were reconstructed using ALT flaps in 7 patients (8 cases) between March 2012 and December 2015. The mean contracture duration was 28.6 years. RESULTS: All the flaps survived completely. The size of the flaps ranged from 8 cm × 5 cm to 19 cm × 8 cm. The mean follow-up period was 10 months (range, 7 to 15 months). There was no specific complication at both the recipient and donor sites. There was one case where the toe contracture could not be completely treated after surgery. All of the patients were able to wear shoes and walk without pain. Also, the patients were highly satisfied with cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: The ALT flap may be considered ideal for the treatment of severe forefoot deformity.

Perforator Reconstruction to Salvage the Jeopardized Flaps

During flap elevation, most perforators are cut except one or more perforators that are essential to flap survival. However these cutout perforators can cause deterioration of the blood circulation of the flap. To salvage the jeopardized flaps, rebuilding the perforator system is essential for flap survival. In the first case, after flap elevation, the upper abdominal flap margin was severely ischemic. To supply blood to the upper abdominal flaps, we found and used a major perforator underneath the upper abdominal flap which was cut earlier during the elevation, and we performed reanastomosis with ipsilateral deep inferior epigastric artery. Upper abdominal flap ischemic area was limited to a narrow suture area. In the second case, we performed free superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap reconstruction. After successful anastomosis of the SIEA and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) with internal mammary artery and vein, serious venous congestion occurred immediately because of SIEV malfunction. We found the largest perforator vein under the flap, as an alternate way to drain, then connected it with the thoracoacromial vein with a vein graft harvested in the contralateral SIEV. Circulation has improved. In conclusion, perforator system reconstruction is essential in a jeopardized flap salvage.

Treatment of a Huge Odontogenic Myxoma in the Mandible with Surgical Resection and Reconstruction Using a Vascularized Fibular Free Flap: Case Report