ABSTRACT
Objective: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has evolved since its 2009 US Food and Drug Administration approval for use in local stage T1-T2 oropharyngeal carcinoma. The ability to resect increasingly larger and more complex lesions has led to the need to introduce reconstructive techniques through this route, avoiding the classic transmandibular or pull-through approach. Few studies have compared the safety, efficacy, and advantages of TORS versus classic open approaches in oropharyngeal salvage surgery with reconstruction using microanastomosed flaps. Here we retrospectively compare our center's experience with the open approach and TORS and describe the technical variations used. Methods: Between 2013 and 2021, 30 stage III-IV oropharyngeal cancer patients underwent salvage surgery with reconstruction in our center. From 2013 to 2017, 15 patients underwent surgery with the classic open approach, and from 2018 to 2021, an additional 15 patients underwent TORS. We have compared surgical outcomes, post-surgical results, and survival in the two groups. Results: Patient characteristics were similar in the two groups. TORS was associated with shorter surgical time (p < .001), fewer complications (p = .01), shorter hospital stay (p < .001), and lower feeding tube requirements (p = .003). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the free margin rate or survival. Conclusion: Oropharyngeal salvage surgery with TORS with free flap reconstruction reduced associated morbidity compared to the open approach in a patient cohort with poor prognosis. Level of Evidence: 4.
ABSTRACT
Introducción y objetivo. En los últimos años han surgido nuevas técnicas de reconstrucción mediante supermicrocirugía con buenos resultados estéticos y funcionales, como el colgajo libre SCIP (Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator), que permite realizar anastomosis a perforantes pudiendo conservar así los vasos principales de la extremidad. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar nuestra experiencia en la reconstrucción de extremidad inferior distal con SCIP libre y su manejo perioperatorio. Material y método. Nuestro estudio incluye 17 pacientes en los que llevamos a cabo reconstrucción mediante SCIP libre de extremidad inferior distal (pierna y pie) entre 2015 y 2017. Realizamos angioTAC preoperatorio para planificar la cirugía y valorar la necesidad de optimización vascular. Resultados. Preferentemente hicimos anastomosis término-terminales a perforantes de la zona receptora. No fueron necesarias revisiones microquirúgicas inmediatas. La complicación postoperatoria más frecuente fue la congestión venosa (29.4%). En todos los pacientes se logró la conservación de la extremidad y se mantuvo la capacidad de deambulación. Conclusiones. el SCIP libre es una buena opción microquirúrgica para la reconstrucción de extremidad inferior distal, tanto estética como funcionalmente, ya que presenta escasas complicaciones y puede evitar la amputación. En base a nuestra experiencia inicial, recomendamos realizar angioTAC y valoración preoperatoria de optimización de la vascularización regional, cambios posturales, 2 anastomosis venosas siempre que sea posible y un manejo multidisciplinario
Background and objetive. New reconstruction techniques have been described for last years with good aesthetic and functional results, such as the free SCIP flap (Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator). Supermicrosurgery allows anastomoses to perforator vessels and therefore the main vessels of the limb can be preserved. The aim of this study is to present our experience in the reconstruction of the distal lower extremity with free SCIP and its perioperative management. Methods. From 2015 to 2017, 17 patients who underwent a reconstruction of the distal lower extremity (leg and foot) by free SCIP flap were included. Preoperative CT-angiography was performed for the surgical planning and to assess the need for angioplasty. Results. End-to-end anastomoses were made to perforator vessels of the recipient area. No immediate microsurgical revisions were needed. The most frequent postoperative complication was venous congestion (29.4%). Limb salvage was achieved in all patients and walk ability was preserved. Conclusions. The free SCIP flap is a good microsurgical option for the reconstruction of the distal lower extremity, both aesthetically and functionally, presents few complications and an avoid amputation. Based on our initial experience, we recommend performing a CT-angiography and a preoperative assessment of regional vascularization optimization, postural changes, 2 venous anastomoses whenever possible and multidisciplinary management
