Aesthetic Reconstruction of Onco-surgical Mandibular Defects Using Free Fibular Flap with and without CAD/CAM Customized Osteotomy Guide: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of mandibular defects following ablative surgery remains a challenge even for experienced surgeons. Virtual planning and guided surgery, including computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), afford optimized ways by which to plan complex surgery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare aesthetic outcome and surgical efficiency of free fibular flap (FFF) with and without CAD/CAM customized osteotomy guide (COG) for reconstruction of onco-surgical mandibular defects. METHODS: Twenty-two patients indicated for segmental mandibulectomy were randomly assigned to either CAD/CAM with COG group or that without COG- Model based reconstruction (MB group) at a 1:1 ratio. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by means of morphometric assessment and comparison for each differential area (DAr) and angle (DAn) in the affected side to the contralateral side of the mandible using computerized digital imaging analysis (CDIA) based on the post-operative 3D CT-scan. Subjective evaluation was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Patient's Satisfaction Score (PSS). Surgical efficiency was a secondary outcome and evaluated as total operative time and ischemia time. RESULTS: The mean sagittal DAr was significantly lower in the COG group (277.28 ± 127.05 vs. 398.67 ± 139.10 mm2, P = 0.045). Although there was an improvement in the axial DAr (147.61 ± 55.42 vs. 183.68 ± 72.85 mm2), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.206). The mean differences (Δ) in both sagittal and coronal DAn were significantly lower in the COG group than in the MB group (6.11 ± 3.46 and 1.77 ± 1.12° vs. 9.53 ± 4.17 and 3.44 ± 2.34°), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the axial DAn between the two groups (P = 0.386). The PSS was significantly higher in the COG group, reflecting better aesthetic satisfaction than in the MB group (P = 0.041). The total operation and ischemia time were significantly shorter in favor of the COG group with a mean of (562.91 ± 51.22, 97.55 ± 16.80 min vs. 663.55 ± 53.43, 172.45 ± 21.87 min), respectively. CONCLUSION: The CAD/CAM with COG is more reliable and highly valuable in enhancing aesthetic outcomes and surgical efficiency of mandibular reconstruction by FFF compared to that without COG (MB reconstruction). TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov . REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03757273. Registration date: 28/11/2018.

Aesthetic reconstruction of onco-surgical maxillary defects using free scapular flap with and without CAD/CAM customized osteotomy guide.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the maxillary defects following tumor ablation remains to be a challenge for surgeons. Virtual surgical planning (VSP), intraoperative cutting guides and stereolithographic models provides the head and neck reconstructive surgeon with powerful tools for complex reconstruction planning. Despite its use in fibular osteocutaneous reconstruction, application to the scapular free flap has not been as widely reported. The aim of this study was to compare aesthetic results and operation time of free scapular flap, with and without computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized osteotomy guide, for reconstruction of maxillary defects. METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial study, we randomly assigned 22 patients with maxillary defects who were scheduled to undergo maxillary reconstruction with either free scapular flap with CAD/CAM customized osteotomy guide; study group (n = 11) or free scapular flap without CAD/CAM customized osteotomy guide; control group (n = 11). All patients were followed up for 3 months. The aesthetic outcome, operation and ischemic times were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated objectively by means of differential surface area (sagittal and axial) measurement, which showed improved aesthetic outcome (contour symmetry) in the study group with a mean of (241.39 ± 113.74 mm2), compared to patients in control group with a mean of (358.70 ± 143.99 mm2). There were significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). Aesthetic outcomes were also evaluated subjectively by means of visual analogue scale (VAS) and patient's satisfaction score (PSS). The postoperative aesthetic appearance was better in the study group with more patients satisfied than that in control group and there were statistically significant differences (P = 0.039). The mean total operative time was 678.81 min and 777.18 min in the study group and control group respectively (P < 0.05) and the mean ischemia time was 133.18 min and 195.72 min for study group and control group respectively (P < 0.05). The ischemia time and total operative time were shorter in the study group compared to those in the control group and there were no flap losses in both groups. CONCLUSION: The use of CAD/CAM prefabricated cutting guides facilitates scapular flap molding and placement, minimizes ischemic time and operating time as well as improves aesthetic outcomes. Trial registration This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03757286. Registration date: 28/11/2018.

Transaxillary thoracodorsal artery perforator flap: a versatile new technique for hypopharyngeal reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus after tumor resection remains a challenging problem. Different techniques of reconstruction have been described for such defects. Although free flap reconstruction, including jejunum and fasciocutaneous flaps, has gained popularity for this complex defect, regional flaps are still in use worldwide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present our experience using the pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap whereby only a small cuff of latissimus dorsi muscle around the perforators is harvested. The remaining muscle with its nerve supply is preserved. The flap is delivered to the neck through the cervicoaxillary tunnel. It was used as a complete tube in six patients and with an additional attached skin island for reconstruction of the neck skin in another four patients. RESULTS: A total of 11 TDAP flaps were used for reconstruction in 10 patients. All flaps survived except in one patient who suffered from a complete flap loss. This was salvaged by another TDAP flap from the contralateral side. Partial sloughing of the outer part of the pedicled TDAP occurred in one other patient. Pharyngeal fistulas developed in another two patients and eventually healed spontaneously. All patients resumed an oral diet within 2 weeks except two with fistulas. All patients resumed their shoulder active range of motion within 3 weeks. CONCLUSION: The transaxillary TDAP flap is an ideal technique for hypopharyngeal reconstruction. It offers the advantages of free fasciocutaneous flaps, has a wide arc of rotation, a relatively larger flap dimension, a reliable vascular pedicle, and acceptable donor site morbidity.

Maxillary swing approach for surgical resection of recurrent nasopharyngeal tumors.

Purpose : To evaluate the efficacy of salvage nasopharyngectomy for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal tumors through the maxillary swing approach. Methods : Antero -lateral access to the nasopharynx and its vicinity through the maxillary swing approach was used. Through a Weber-Fergusson-Longmire incision, the whole maxilla is freed and swung laterally while remaining attached to the masseter muscle and cheek flap. The nasopharynx, para-pharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa are now exposed facilitating complete resection of the tumor. Results : Seven patients were treated with this approach at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. There were 6 males and one female with a range of age 16-57 years. Three patients had recurrent carcinoma of the nasopharynx after primary radiation therapy, while four patients had locally advanced recurrent juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA). Using the operating microscope, complete tumor resection was achieved in all patients except one patient with intracranial extension of JNA. There was no surgical mortality. Complications occurred in three patients, one patient developed osteoradionecrosis following re-irradiation, a patient had epiphora while palatal fistula occurred in another patient. The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 6 years, one patient died from distant disease and another patient is alive with residual intra-cranial disease. Conclusion : Salvage nasopharyngectomy is a valid option for selected patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal tumors. The maxillary swing approach allows safe and complete resection for nasopharyngeal carcinoma as well as juvenile angiofibroma with intracranial extension. Key Words : Recurrent nasopharyngeal tumors -Salvage nasopharyngectomy -Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

Fasciocutaneous free flaps for hypopharyngeal reconstruction.

Considerable controversy persists regarding the optimal technique for hypopharyngeal reconstruction. The ideal procedure should provide low mortality and morbidity, short hospitalization, a high success rate, few complications, and the greatest potential for neopharyngeal speech and deglutition. In this study, a variety of fasciocutaneous free flaps were used for reconstruction of the hypopharynx. Over a two-year period, fasciocutaneous flaps were used for reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal segments following total laryngopharyngectomies in 16 patients at The National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Flap survival, recipient vessels used, and complications were examined. The ultimate functional and cosmetic outcomes of free flaps were compared. Of the 16 patients included in this study, nine were males, and seven were females. Free flaps used for reconstruction included the radial forearm (8), lateral arm (2), anterolateral thigh (3), and posterolateral thigh (3) flaps. Free flaps were successful in 15 patients. One patient had total flap loss. Salvage surgery was successful for one flap that developed venous congestion. Eleven patients received adjuvant radiation therapy. The commonly used recipient vessels were the small arteries of the neck and the external jugular vein. Five patients developed minor pharyngocutaneous fistulas that healed spontaneously. Six patients developed anastomotic line stricture. Donor-site morbidity was more significant with the radial forearm flap, compared to other flaps. Fasciocutaneous free flaps have a definite place in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. The flap should be selected with reference to the type of the defect and patient obesity; however, donor-site morbidity should also be considered.