Feasibility and Reliability of Microvascular Reconstruction in the Vessel-depleted Previously Operated Neck.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular reconstruction of defects in the head and neck has always been a challenge in patients who have undergone previous neck dissection, owing to the prior resection of potential recipient blood vessels used for free flap perfusion. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to evaluate the reliability and safety of free flap reconstruction in patients who have had previous neck dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four free flaps were performed in 22 patients with a previous history of neck dissection for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. These included patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent cancer as well as patients undergoing secondary reconstruction following previous oncological resections. Flap includes 12 radial forearm free flaps, 5 fibula flaps, 1 rectus abdominis flap, and 6 anterolateral thigh flaps. RESULTS: In cases with the previous history of selective neck dissection, recipient vessels on the ipsilateral/same side of the previously operated neck were used, while contralateral vessels were used in patients with a history of modified radical or radical neck dissection. Vein grafts were not necessary, except for one case. In our series, we did not have any flap loss or considerable increase in operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Free flap reconstruction of head-and-neck defects is highly successful in patients with a history of previous neck dissection, despite a relative scarcity of recipient blood vessels. Careful planning and relying on flaps with a long vascular pedicle obviates the need to perform a suitable vein graft. In our present series, careful planning and the right choice of a free flap with a long vascular pedicle contributes to the absence of free flap failure. In our experience, previous neck dissection should not be considered as a contraindication to microvascular reconstruction of previously operated oncologic defects.

Anterior Tonsillar Fossa Approach to Elongated Styloid Process.

AIM: To demonstrate the efficacy of a new novel anterior tonsillar fossa approach in management of elongated styloid process syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We operated upon 20 patients with confirmed, symptomatic elongated styloid process. None of these patients gave a previous positive history of trauma or any other procedure relating to tonsillar area. All these patients had undergone treatment or were under treatment for neuralgia/TMJ dysfunction syndrome. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examination followed by radiological findings. RESULTS: 12 patients underwent bilateral styloidectomy (60%) and 8 patients, underwent unilateral styloidectomy (40%). The length of stolid process ranged from 34mm to 62mm (mean 44 mm). Post operative follow up period ranges from 6 months to 12 months.17 patients (85%) were asymptomatic & had complete remission of symptoms over a follow up period of 12 months. 2 patients had partial remission of symptoms & 1 patient was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our anterior tonsillar fossa approach to elongated styloid is safe & adequate in effective surgical management & more so with an additional advantage of not requiring tonsillectomy which is often performed in trans-pharyngeal technique.