Comprehensive assessment of the donor-site of the anterolateral thigh flap: A prospective study in 33 patients.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap has been an extremely versatile flap. The purpose of this study was to propose comprehensive functional assessments of the donor site. METHODS: A total of 33 ALT flaps were enrolled prospectively. Objective assessments included isokinetic testing of the knee, and electromyographic examination of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to subjectively assess the donor-site scar. RESULTS: On the donor side, a significant decrease in most isokinetic muscle strength values was obvious 1 year postoperatively (P < .01). The normal side showed a compensatory increase 1 year postoperatively in the majority of isokinetic muscle strength values (P < .05). The majority of patients (70%) showed decreased sensory conduction velocity of the LFCN or no response to the microcurrent stimulation postoperatively. The aesthetic outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The decline in functional parameters at the donor-site was common. However, much more research is needed.

A critical assessment of the fibula flap donor site.

BACKGROUND: The free fibula flap has become popular for mandibular reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to propose comprehensive functional assessments of the donor site. METHODS: Thirty free fibula flaps for mandible reconstruction were prospectively enrolled in the study. Objective assessments included isokinetic testing of the ankle joint, electromyographic examination of the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), and preoperative and postoperative foot scans. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to subjectively assess the donor site. RESULTS: The isokinetic values of the donor side showed a significant decrease 1 year postoperatively. The results of the electromyographic test of the SPN were categorized as 3 types. The plantar center pressure shifted to the heel on the donor side 6 months postoperatively. The aesthetic outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The functional parameters of the donor site indeed declined in our assessments. Further refinements in the surgical technique are needed to improve the donor site status. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 279-287, 2017.

A comparison of mandible preservation method and mandibulotomy approach in oral and oropharyngeal cancer: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the prognoses outcomes of mandibular preservation method (MPM) and the mandibulotomy approach (MLA) in oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOPC) patients. METHOD: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov up to September 2016 to identify the studies that compared the prognoses of the MPM versus the MLA in OOPC patients. Two authors individually extracted the data and performed quality assessment. The surgical margins, overall survival rate, total and local recurrence rates, fistula formation, and other functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULT: Six studies with 309 patients were included in our analysis. No significant difference was found regarding the surgical margins, overall survival rate, total and local recurrence rates, and speech and tongue movement between the MPM and MLA groups. However, the MPM group showed a significantly lower fistula formation rate than the MLA group after the operation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the MPM may provide a similar clinical outcome to the MLA, but that the MPM has a lower complication rate in the treatment of OOPC patients.

Reconstruction of Complex Total Parotidectomy Defect With a Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap and Vascularized Motor Branch of Femoral Nerve Grafting.

Reconstruction of complex total parotidectomy defects after ablation is always a challenge for surgeons. The surgical technique in reconstructing total parotidectomy defects using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has not been described in detail. This report describes the treatment of a difficult case with a complex total parotidectomy defect. An ALT flap composed of a vascularized motor branch of the femoral nerve and a narrow portion of the vastus lateralis muscle was harvested. An 8-cm-long vascularized nerve was transplanted into the gap, which can be considered a cable transplant graft, and a myocutaneous paddle was used to cover and fill in the soft tissue defect. There were no complications after surgery, and the patient was satisfied with the reconstructed facial contours. This case shows that using a chimeric ALT flap for reconstruction is possible in a complex total parotidectomy defect.

Single Superficial versus Dual Systems Venous Anastomoses in Radial Forearm Free Flap: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has been widely used with increasing frequency in head and neck reconstruction following extirpative surgery. The controversy of the venous anastomoses patterns still exists. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between the venous anastomoses patterns and venous compromise. METHODS: MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases were searched for studies reporting the different venous anastomoses patterns of the RFFF. A meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects models. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also assessed. RESULTS: 6 studies with 992 cases were included in this meta-analysis. The dual anastomosis group tended to have a lower incidence of venous compromise (RR = 1.39). However, the difference was not statistically significant (95%CI: 0.59, 3.24). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that performing dual venous anatomoses consisting of superficial and deep systems conferred a tendency of the reduction with regard to venous compromise.

Transverse cervical vessels as recipient vessels in oral and maxillofacial microsurgical reconstruction after former operations with or without radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and outcome of using the transverse cervical vessel (TCV) as a recipient vessel for microvascular reconstruction in patients whose vessels in the neck region are unavailable because of previous surgery or radiotherapy. METHODS: Between January 2012 and August 2014, secondary head and neck reconstruction was performed using the TCV as a recipient vessel in eight patients who had undergone previous neck dissection and radiation therapy (n = 5). Five patients had a recurrent carcinoma, one had undergone an operation for scar release and two had been treated surgically for a second primary cancer. The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT), anteromedial thigh flap (AMT), and fibular flap were used for the reconstruction. Clinical data were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: All of the ipsilateral transverse cervical arteries were found to be free of disease. The second free flap was revascularized using the TCVs (n = 6) or the external (n = 1) or internal (n = 1) jugular vein. The free flaps used for the reconstruction included the ALT flap (n = 6), AMT flap (n = 2), and fibular flap (n = 1). All of the flaps survived without vascular events, and the patients healed without major complications. The mean follow-up time was 11 months. One patient died of distant metastases during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who have previously undergone neck surgery with or without radiotherapy, the TCVs are reliable and easily accessible recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction in the oral and maxillofacial region. If the transverse cervical vein is unavailable, the internal or external jugular vein should be dissected carefully to serve as an alternative for microvascular anastomoses.

Total and near-total lower lip reconstruction: 20 years experience.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of total and near-total lower lip defects presents a formidable challenge for the reconstructive plastic surgeon. Many methods have been described, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this article is to discuss the selection of techniques and report our experience of total or near-total lower lip reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 20-year period from January 1993 to December 2013, a total of 87 patients underwent total or near-total lower lip reconstruction. Bilateral Yu's flaps were used in 61 patients, double mental neurovascular V-Y island advancement flaps in 16 patients, bilateral Mutaf's techniques in 4 patients, and reconstruction with free radial forearm flaps in 6 other patients. Drooling Rating Scale (DRS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were used to evaluate oral competency and esthetic outcomes. RESULTS: All patients underwent single-stage total or near-total lower lip reconstruction successfully. There were no flap failures. Only 1 patient who accepted the bilateral Yu's flaps developed microstomia, having difficulty in wearing her dentures postoperatively. Oral competencies were well preserved in other patients, and esthetic results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, we recommend using the bilateral local techniques or free flap introduced in this article, according to the extent of defects and the patient's general condition, to achieve a personalized ideal reconstruction of the lower lip.

Lack of influence of an XRCC3 gene polymorphism on oral cancer susceptibility: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To systematically summarize the association between the X-ray repair cross complementing 3 (XRCC3) gene polymorphism and oral cancer susceptibility by meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data were searched to identify case-control studies concerning the association between an XRCC3 gene polymorphism and the risk of oral cancer from the inception to June 2014. Two reviewers independently screened the literature according to the criteria, extracted the data and assessed the quality. Then meta-analysis was performed using Stata 11.0 software. RESULTS: Seven published case-control studies including 775 patients with oral cancer and 1922 controls were selected. Associations between the rs861539 polymorphism and overall oral cancer risk were not statistically significant in all kinds of comparison models (CT vs CC: OR=0.94, 95%CI=0.74-1.18; TT vs CC: OR=0.94, 95%CI=0.64- 1.38; dominant model: OR=0.95, 95%CI=0.76-1.18; recessive model: OR=0.94, 95%CI=0.69-1.29; allele T vs C: OR=0.97, 95%CI=0.84-1.11). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, no significant associations were found among Asians and Caucasians. On stratification by tumor type, no significant associations were found for cancer and oral premalignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The XRCC3 gene polymorphism was not found to be associated with the risk of oral cancer. Considering the limited quality of the included case-control studies, more high quality studies with large sample size are needed to verify the above conclusion.

Yu's flap for lower lip and reverse Yu's flap for upper lip reconstruction: 20 years experience.

Reconstruction of defects of the lip caused by cancer with its requirements of a complicated anatomical structure, important physiological function, and acceptable cosmetic result, is a challenge for oral and maxillofacial and plastic surgeons. A method that combines rotation and advancement flaps was described by Yu in 1989 for the reconstruction of defects of the lower lip. In our department between January 1992 and December 2012, 8 patients had reverse Yu flaps for the reconstruction of upper lip defects and 56 patients had classic Yu flaps for lower lip defects. Patients with defects located laterally to the upper lips, ranging from ⅓ to ½, had unilateral reverse Yu flaps, and bilateral procedures were done for defects of less than ⅔ of the lips. However, if the defects were located in the centre of the upper lips, between ⅓ and ½, they were treated with bilateral reverse Yu flaps. Patients with defects between ⅓ and ⅔ of lower lips had unilateral Yu flaps, and if the defects were wider than ⅔ of the lower lips, the procedure was bilateral. No flap failed and desirable functional and aesthetic outcomes were recorded in all cases. Here we report our experience with the Yu flap for the benefit of other surgeons.

Clinical anatomical study and evaluation of the use of the free anteromedial thigh perforator flaps in reconstructions of the head and neck.

The anteromedial thigh (AMT) perforator flap is usually thin, pliable, and nearly hairless, making it particularly suitable to repair defects of the head and neck. We studied the topography and outcomes of AMT perforator flaps in such defects after excision of tumours. We retrospectively reviewed the casenotes of 11 consecutive patients who had had reconstructions of the head and neck with the initial intent of using an AMT perforator flap from January 2010 to July 2011. For each patient we recorded the size and thickness of the flap; the length of the pedicle; and the number, external diameters, anatomical types, source vessels, and sites of the sizeable perforators. Of the 11 patients, 10 had successful reconstruction using AMT perforator flaps, but one had no AMT perforator big enough. The mean (range) number of sizeable perforators/flap was 1.3 (1-2), length of pedicle 10.6 (7-13) cm, and diameter of the artery 1.1(1.0-1.5) mm. Of the 13 sizeable perforators, 3 were direct and septocutaneous. The remaining ones were all musculocutaneous. Most of them were located in the middle third of the thigh. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in all patients. One flap was successfully revised after compression of the perforator. All flaps survived with good functional and aesthetic outcomes. The free AMT perforator flap is suitable for reconstructions of the head and neck if a sizeable perforator can be found. The AMT flap may be used as a primary flap rather than as an alternative to the anterolateral thigh flap or a component of a chimeric flap.

[Perforator vascular anatomy and clinical application of the anteromedial thigh flap for head and neck reconstruction].

PURPOSE: A clinical study was undertaken to define the vascular anatomy of anteromedial thigh perforator flap (AMT) and evaluate the outcomes of the flap in head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: The sizable perforators of AMT flaps and their origins were prospectively explored in 54 patients. For each patient, we recorded the sizable perforators' location, diameter, source vessel, numbers and anatomical types. Among them, 14 cases underwent head and neck reconstruction with AMT flaps. The complications and functions of donor and recipient sites were recorded and the operative techniques of AMT were described. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: Eight of fifty-four thighs had no sizable AMT perforators. AMT flap was based on the medial branch of descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA) and shared the same vascular pedicle with anterolateral thigh flap (ALT). The total sizable perforators were 56. Among them, 40.9%(25/61) were direct septocutaneous perforators, the remaining perforators were all musculocutaneous. Most of the sizable perforators (58/61, 95.1%) were located in the middle one-third of the thigh, with an average of (3.9±0.72) cm medial to a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the superolateral patella and an average of (22.5±2.38) cm to anterior superior iliac spine. There was an negtive relationship between the number of sizable perforators of AMT and ALT flaps (P<0.01). 14 flaps survived completely. No complications were observed in recipient and donor site. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicle of AMT flap is the medial branch of d-LCFA. The AMT flap may be useful if ALT flap is without sizable perforators. AMT flap may be as a primary or an alternative choice of anterolateral thigh flap for head and neck reconstruction.

[Overexpression of Twist1 promotes tumor invasion in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113].

AIM: To construct an eukaryotic expression vector of human Twist1 and investigate the relationship between Twist1 overexpression and tumor invasion in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113. METHODS: Total mRNA isolated from Tca8113 cells were reversely transcribed to cDNA. Human Twist1 was amplified using specific PCR primers and then subcloned into the pcDNA3.1-myc-hisA vector. The fusion expression plasmid was named Myc-Twist1. Myc-Twist1 was transfected into Tca8113 cells and examined by Western blotting. The localization of Twist1 in Tca8113 cells was observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. E-cadherin promoter activity in response to Myc-Twist1 overexpression was measured by the dual luciferase reporter assay system. Transwell cell migration assay was performed to detect the invasive capacity of Tca8113 cells stably expressing Myc-Twist1. RESULTS: The fusion protein Myc-Twist1 was successfully constructed into eukaryotic expression vector. Western blotting showed that Myc-Twist1 was stably expressed in Tca8113 cells and it was localized mainly in the nucleus and a little in the cytoplasm. The Twist1 significantly inhibited the E-cadherin promoter activity and enhanced the cell invasion. CONCLUSION: Twist1 promotes tumor invasion by down-regulating E-cadherin expression in Tca8113 cells.

[Perforator-based chimeric anterolateral thigh flap for head and neck reconstruction after en bloc resection].

PURPOSE: To discuss and report the operative techniques for harvesting perforator-based chimeric flap in anterolateral thigh region and the advantages for head and neck reconstruction after en bloc resection. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of perforator-based chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for head and neck reconstruction since December of 2007 to March of 2011. 66 perforator-based chimeric flaps were harvested including a skin paddle and a muscular flap supplied by one mother pedicle-descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery(d-LCFA). 32 flaps were used for the mobile tongue and floor of mouth reconstruction, 30 flaps for base of the tongue and parapharyngeal walls, two for the buccal skin, one for hemimandible and one for parotid. The muscular flap were used to eliminate the dead space of submandibular area. Flaps size ranged from 7cm±4cm to 16cm±7cm and muscular flap was 3cm±4cm approximately. The complications and functions of both donor and recipient sites were recorded and the operative techniques of perforator-based chimeric flap elevation were generalized. RESULTS: All 65 flaps survived completely and the total survival percentage was 98.5%. Only one flap failed and was removed 5 days postoperatively. No complications(fistula, infection, hematoma, seroma et al) were observed in recipient and donor sites. Two anteromedial thigh flaps (AMT) were used for reconstruction due to no sizable perforators in the ALT region. All cases were followed up for 0.5-3 years. The flaps didn't atrophy after six months and the contour was satisfactory. The functions of speech and swallow were recovered well. All the donor sites were closed primarily and the scar was not obvious. The leg's function recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: Using a combination of retrograde and antegrade dissection is a safe and versatile method for harvesting a perforator-based chimeric flap. A chimeric flap including multiple components can meet the requirements of three-dimensional reconstruction. Perforator-based chimeric anterolateral thigh flap is one of the best choices for complex head and neck reconstruction after en bloc resection.

Free posterior tibial artery perforator flap for floor of mouth reconstruction: a case report.

In this report, we present a case with floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma who underwent wide excision of tumor, a marginal mandibulectomy and bilateral selective neck dissections. A 7 cm × 4 cm fasciocutaneous flap based on a posterior tibial artery perforator (PTAP) from the left posterior leg was harvested to reconstruct a floor of the mouth defect. The donor-site defect was closed primarily. The flap survived in its entirety. No donor or recipient site complications occurred. The patient tolerated a regular diet at 3-month follow-up with normal speech and leg function. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report on the use of the PTAP flap for floor of mouth reconstruction. Our experience has shown the PTAP flap could be one of options for small defects.

[Preoperative Doppler evaluation of vascular perforators in the anterolateral thigh flap harvest].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of Hadeco ES-1000spm hand-held doppler during the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap harvest. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (26 sides) with ALT flaps for head and neck reconstruction between May 2005 and May 2010 received preoperative Doppler examination for the location of the cutaneous perforators of ALT flaps. The Doppler signals and body mass index (BMI) were recorded preoperatively according to ABC system. The locations of Doppler signals and of the actual cutaneous perforators at surgery were plotted and compared. The diameter of perforators was measured. RESULTS: One to three cutaneous perforators of the ALT flap were consistently found at specific locations. They were named perforators A, B, C from proximal to distal. Perforators A, B and C were present in 15 (58%), 24 (92%) and 20 (77%) cases and the diameter (> 0.5 mm) of A, B and C were 11/15, 22 (92%) and 8 (40%) respectively. The Doppler signal was within 0.5 cm of the actual perforator location in 85% flaps. The accuracy of Doppler decreased with increase of BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative assessment by hand-held Doppler is useful in predicting the perforator vessels' locations and diameter although it's accuracy is limited.