Platysmal Myocutaneous Flap for Intra Oral Defects:Is It an Underutilized Option? Our Experience of 10 Cases.

Various methods of reconstruction are available for reconstructing oral cancer defects, but all of them have their inherent drawbacks. The superiorly based platysma myocutaneous flap is a common reconstruction option for intra-oral defects following oral cancer resections. We present our results of using platysmal flaps in reconstructing intraoral defects following oral cavity cancer resection in our 7 patients along with resection of three cases of premalignant conditions of oral cavity. All the patients were males of age ranging from 24 to 42 years and diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity stage I and II were included in this study.Of 10 patients eight had no postoperative complications. One patient developed partial skin loss of neck donor site, which was managed conservatively. Other patient had complete flap loss which healed with secondary intention. We recommend this flap as incision is always away from the face, the scars are hidden beneath collars and the patients are very comfortable with good cosmetics and functional outcomes.\.

Superficial Temporal Artery and Vein as Alternative Recipient Vessels for Intraoral Reconstruction With Free Flaps to Avoid the Cervical Approach With the Resulting Need for Double Flap Transfer in Previously Treated Necks.

Background: Microvascular reconstruction remains challenging in previously operated and irradiated patients, especially when double flaps seem to be the only solution due to osteoradionecrosis. An alternative reconstructive option could be microvascular anastomosis to the temporal vessels to avoid the obligatory cervical incision. Methods and Materials: All consecutive cases between January 2013 and 2020 that underwent either mandibular resection and reconstruction with a free fibula flap (FFF) and another soft tissue flap (group I) or pure intraoral resection and reconstruction with an FFF or radial forearm flap (RFF) with temporal microvascular anastomosis (group II) were included. Patients' general information, indication and extent of surgery, time of ischemia, time of total surgery, and duration of hospital stay as well as incidence of complications were retrospectively recorded and analyzed. Results: Seventeen (group I) and 11 (group II) cases were included. In group I, FFF was combined with RFF (n = 9), anterolateral thigh flap (ALT, n = 7), or latissimus dorsi flap (n = 1). Group II consisted of six FFFs and five RFFs. Operation time and hospitalization duration were significantly shorter in group II (p < 0.001 and p = 0.025), whereas ischemic time of FFF was significantly shorter in group I (p = 0.002). All patients in group I required a tracheostomy, while only four cases in group II did (p = 0.004). The complication rate regarding hematoma removal, revision of anastomosis, flap loss, delirium, sepsis, pleural effusion, pneumonia, and pulmonary artery embolism showed no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: The superficial temporal vessels served as versatile recipient vessels for intraoral mandibular and soft tissue reconstruction and led to reduced operation time, hospitalization duration, and indication for a primary tracheostomy. Thus, this approach may help to avoid cervical incision for reconstruction in irradiated patients.

Closure of Oronasal Fistulae Post Palatoraphy with Tongue Flap in Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip Palate Patient: A Case Report

ABSTRACT@#Oronasal fistulae are common complication following palatoraphy. There are several surgical procedures to repair oronasal fistulae. However, conventional oronasal fistulae closure technique is not always possible, especially when the surrounding tissue is replaced by fibrotic tissue due to previous palatoraphy. Tissue defects in oronasal fistulae should be replaced with tissues providing good vascularisation such as pedicle tongue flap. A case of pedicle tongue flap used to close oronasal fistulae was reported. Eleven-year-old girl, presented with oronasal fistulae and bilateral alveolar cleft after previous palatoraphy. The oronasal fistulae were closed with pedicled tongue flap. The healing was uneventful, and the division of the pedicle tongue flap was done three weeks later and closed primarily. There was no dehiscence of the wound and masticatory functions were recorded. Vascularised flap such as pedicle tongue flap is a preferred technique to close oronasal fistulae after palatoraphy.

The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap for reconstruction after oral cancer resection: A retrospective single-surgeon study.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in reconstruction after oral cancer resection. METHODS: Chart reviews were completed for all patients who underwent oral reconstruction with an infrahyoid myocutaneous flap by a single surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology at Chonburi Cancer Hospital from 2011 to 2017. Characteristics of the patients and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 34 patients in the study, 10 (29.4%) developed partial flap loss and 1 (2.9%) developed total flap loss. All cases of partial flap loss resolved with conservative treatment. Apparent cancer involvement of a cervical lymph node was significantly associated with flap failure (odds ratio: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.03-24.28). CONCLUSIONS: The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is a fairly reliable reconstruction method. The flap should be performed with caution in cases with gross lymph node involvement.

Perforator flaps from the lower leg for intraoral reconstruction: Experience of 131 flaps.

BACKGROUND: During the last decade, perforator flaps have become popular for defect cover in the head and neck because they increase the choice of reconstructive possibilities and can lead to minimal donor site morbidity. In particular, the lower leg is considered a suitable option, as it provides thin and pliable skin for intraoral lining. Having gained experience with 131 flaps raised from four different donor sites at the lower leg, the aim of this paper is to evaluate success rates and patient satisfaction, but also difficulties and pitfalls during flap transfer. METHODS: In a retrospective study, all perforator flaps from the lower leg that have been raised between January 2002 and December 2016 were evaluated according to flap type, indications, size, vascular anatomy, complications, success rates, and donor site morbidities. For this, the patient's charts including photographic documentation were analysed with particular respect to difficulties during raising and transferring the flaps and wound healing disturbances. The patient's ability to speak and swallow and the aesthetic and functional results at the donor sites were assessed by clinical examination during the first postoperative year. RESULTS: During the 14-year period, 53 soleus perforator flaps (I), 47 peroneal- (II), 18 medial sural- (III) and 13 lateral superficial sural artery perforator flaps (IV) have been used for intraoral reconstruction. Defects were located at all regions of the oral cavity, mostly the floor of the mouth (67), tongue (31), buccal mucosa (19) and others (14). The size of the flaps ranged from 2 × 4 cm to 6 × 9 cm with an average of 4 × 6 cm. Success rates were 93.6% (II), 90.5% (I), 88.8% (III) and 84.6% (IV) with an overall success rate of 90.8%. Intraoperative complications occurred in 22.1% and were related to small perforator arteries (11), spasm of perforator (8), perforator transection (2) or difficulties to carry out anastomoses directly to the perforating vessels (7). After successful transfer, the functional outcome was favourable with no need for secondary thinning, and most of the patients were satisfied with the donor site appearance. There was no functional limitation associated with the harvest of any of the four flap types. CONCLUSIONS: Perforator flaps from the lower leg show higher complication rates than conventional flaps but can be useful for small or medium sized defects if a hidden donor site without functional limitations is required. The vascular architecture and anatomic variations of perforators seem to make success rates of 95% or more difficult.

A Study on Dorsal Pedicled Tongue Flap Closure of Palatal Fistulae and Oronasal Communications.

INTRODUCTION: Residual defects of the palatal region following ablative resection of tumors and Gunshot wounds (GSWs) of the maxillofacial region can be quite painstaking, daunting and challenging to reconstruct, due to the extent and composite nature of the tissue loss. A shortage of available donor areas and local flap options in the intraoral region, add to the difficulty. Further compounding the situation, are factors such as excessive fibrosis and scarring of the palatal tissues as a result of multiple previous surgeries in the region. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Dorsal Pedicled Tongue Flap in the reconstruction of complex palatal defects resulting from maxillofacial GSWs and ablative tumor resections. To also device techniques to reduce the incidence of postoperative tongue flap detachment, thus improving its efficiency and reliability. RESULTS: The palatal fistulas in all the patients were closed successfully, with no post-operative complications such as bleeding, hematoma formation, congestion, infection, partial or total flap necrosis or flap detachment. The tongue flap at the recipient site remained healthy with no recurrence of the fistula in any of the patients in the two years follow up period. There was a complete resolution of the problem of nasal regurgitation of orally ingested fluids and food particles. There was observed no deformity or articulation defect resulting from the flap harvested from the tongue dorsum, in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: In GSWs and tumor ablative surgery, where composite tissue defects are involved, the tongue provides a reliable and efficient means of restoring lost tissue bulk as well as ensuring a permanent closure and sealing off of the oronasal fistulas. Its reliability can be further increased by avoiding a common complication, namely, flap detachment in the postoperative period brought on by movements of the tongue, by immobilizing the tongue by tethering it to the maxillary teeth and also, maintaining the patient on Nasogastric feeding for the three weeks postoperative period, until the patient is taken up for surgical separation the pedicle. This helps to ensure a successful and predictable take of the flap at the donor site.

Histological Changes in Nasolabial Cutaneous Flaps Employed in Intraoral Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Nasolabial cutaneous flaps have been routinely used to reconstruct intraoral defects. The purpose of this study was to study histological changes that may occur in the skin flap as a result of its exposure to a new environment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients took part in this study. Fusiform tissue specimens were obtained from the intraoral cutaneous portion of the flap. Biopsy specimens were also taken from the skin of nasolabial region and from the buccal mucosa to serve as control. Thickness of stratum corneum, degree of inflammatory infiltration and number of skin appendages were evaluated. Periodic-acid Schiff (PAS) staining was also performed to identify the presence of hyphae. RESULTS: The characteristic features of the skin are almost always maintained, although the thickness of stratum corneum and the number of skin appendages are often significantly reduced. In two patients the inflammatory infiltration was intense and accompanied by elimination of skin appendages and stratum corneum. These flaps tend to mimic mucosa macroscopically. In four patients fibrosis was histologically demonstrated. These flaps resembled atrophic skin macroscopically. Hyphae could not be identified with PAS staining in this study. Koilocytes, which are indicative of HPV infection, were identified in two flap specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Intraorally placed nasolabial flaps may undergo a variety of histological and macroscopical changes. In the majority of cases the intraoral cutaneous flap maintains skin features, except if it becomes heavily infiltrated with inflammatory cells. Inflammation occurs for unknown reasons and results in a mucosa-like microscopic and macroscopic appearance of the intraorally placed flap.

Submental flap as an alternative to microsurgical flap in intraoral post-oncological reconstruction in the elderly.

Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (Scc) occur most commonly in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Free flaps are commonly used for reconstruction of extensive tumor resection defects in the oral cavity. Age alone is not an independent variable for increased risk in microvascular reconstruction; however operative time and ASA risk score correlated with medical complications but not with surgical complications. The submental island flap has proven to be a reliable alternative in reconstruction of composite oral cavity defects for its thinness, pliability and versatility in design, shared by the radial forearm free flap, and its advantageous donor site. The submental flap can be easily raised and involves shorter operative time and hospital stay compared to the free-flap procedure. It can be an excellent choice in patients with a high ASA risk score, moreover in elderly patients, where the potential complications linked to microsurgical procedures are avoided.

Nasolabial pedicled compared with island flaps for intraoral reconstruction of oncological defects: complications, recovery of sensitivity, and assessment of quality of life.

Our aim was to compare pedicled and island nasolabial flaps used for reconstruction of oral defects in terms of postoperative complications, recovery of sensitivity, and quality of life. We organised a retrospective cohort study of 49 patients who had had intraoral reconstruction with nasolabial pedicled (n-=13) and island (n=36) flaps. Twenty- two patients filled in a validated quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaire and we did sensitivity tests (sharp discrimination with the aid of a Semmes-Weinstein™ aesthesiometer). Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed and probabilities of 0.05 were accepted as significant. There were 11 flap-related complications (22%), and the flap was totally necrotic in three patients (6%), all of whom had island flaps. There was a significant association between flap-related complications and the use of reconstruction plate p=0.001, 95% CI 2.36 to 11.37) and advanced stage (T3 and T4 p=0.01, 95% CI 1.45 to 5.26). Skin sensitivity recovered in both island and pedicled flaps. Patients treated with island flaps had significantly more problems with prosthetic rehabilitation than those treated with pedicled flaps. The relatively low morbidity and adequate functional and aesthetic results make the pedicled nasolabial flap a viable technique. De-epithelialisation of the pedicle in island flaps permits coverage of defects with unilateral flaps in a one-stage reconstruction. However, the pedicle may be excessively stretched, leading to ischaemic complications.

Platysma myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of intraoral defects following excision of oral sub mucous fibrosis: A report of 10 cases.

Various surgical procedures are available for treating oral submucous fibrosis, but all of them have their inherent drawbacks. The superiorly based platysma myocutaneous flap is a common reconstruction option for intraoral defects followed after excision of fibrous bands in oral submucous fibrosis. The superiorly based flap has an excellent blood supply, but less efficient venous drainage when compared with posteriorly based flap. We present our results of using a superiorly based flap in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis. Of 10 patients eight had no postoperative complications, one patient developed partial skin loss and other developed venous congestion which was managed conservatively.

The intraoral anastomosing technique in reconstructive surgery of the face - A consecutive case series of 70 patients.

INTRODUCTION: New techniques in microvascular flap transfer result in new indications for reconstructive treatment of facial defects. In this study, the indications and success rate of an intraoral anastomosing technique in facial reconstruction were examined. METHODS: Seventy patients with intraoral defects or central midface defects were reconstructed with the use of microvascular flaps. Anastomoses were performed by an intraoral anastomosing technique. Indications for the use of this technique, types of flaps, complications and problems were evaluated. RESULTS: Except for 5 reconstructions, all were performed to correct bone defect coverage of the jaws. All anatomising procedures worked without severe intraoperative problems. There was one total flap loss caused by venous congestion, and two partial losses not associated with the anastomosing technique. There were no other complications or problems. CONCLUSIONS: The main indications for the use of intraoral anastomosing techniques are alveolar ridge reconstruction in patients with defects not caused by a malignant tumour and central midface reconstruction in the case of short flap pedicle. The success rate of the intraoral anastomosing technique is similar to that of extraoral techniques reported in the literature.

Random Cheek Skin Flap: a Simple Alternative for Intraoral Defects.

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma is one of the common cancers in India. The lesion usually presents as an ulcer and sometimes as a nodule. A variety of premalignant lesions and submucous fibrosis are common. The mucosal defect after resection needs to be covered. We present a new and simpler way of reconstruction of the oral cavity lining by using extra cheek skin.

Intraoral reconstruction using local and regional flaps.

Choosing a pedicled flap to reconstruct an intraoral defect depends on the size and the anatomic position of the tissue defect. The goals are to restore form and function and minimize donor site morbidity. Regional pedicled flaps available for intraoral reconstruction are the buccal fat pad flap, facial artery musculomucosal flap, platysma, pectoralis major, temporalis muscle flap, and trapezius flaps. We give a concise illustration of anatomy, our harvesting technique, indications, and eventual pitfalls for each of the six flaps.

Comparação entre os retalhos microcirúrgicos antebraquial e lateral do braço em reconstruções de boca e orofaringe / Comparison between the forearm and lateral arm flaps for microsurgical reconstruction of the oral cavity and oropharynx

Introdução: A reconstrução microcirúrgica de tecidos moles após ressecção de neoplasias de boca e orofaringe tem impacto significativo na qualidade de vida do paciente. Dois retalhos freqüentemente utilizados são o antebraquial e o lateral do braço. Objetivo: Comparar a evolução do leito receptor e da área doadora em pacientes submetidos a um desses dois retalhos. Pacientes e Método: Estudo retrospectivo com análise de 31 pacientes submetidos aos retalhos previamente descritos. Resultados: Houve predomínio do gênero masculino (56%). A idade média foi de 56,5 anos. Vinte e dois pacientes (71%) foram submetidos à reconstrução com retalho lateral do braço. Houve diferença significativa no tempo de uso de sonda naso-enteral (p=0,037) e no tipo de fechamento da área doadora do retalho (p<0,001). Discussão: Os retalhos, apesar de similares, têm indicações distintas em nosso serviço. Consideramos o retalho lateral do braço como primeira escolha para reconstrução de defeitos de tamanho médio de tecidos moles em boca e orofaringe. Conclusão: Consideramos que os retalhos antebraquial e lateral do braço são seguros e adequados para reconstrução de boca e orofaringe.

Introduction: the microsurgical reconstruction of soft tissues after ablative surgery of oral cavity/oropharynx neoplasms impacts on the patients´ quality of life. Two frequently used options are the forearm and the lateral arm flaps. Objective: to compare the evolution of the receptor and donor sites. Patients and Methods: retrospective study of 31 patients submitted to one of the previously mentioned flaps. Results: Most patients were male (56%). The mean age was 56.5 years old. Twenty-two patients (71%) underwent the reconstruction using the lateral arm flap. There was a statistically significant difference in the duration of enteral tube use (p=0.037) and the closure of the donor area (p<0.001). Discussion: although similar, the flaps have distinct indications in our service. We consider the lateral arm flap as the first choice in medium sized soft tissue defects of the oral cavity/oropharynx region. Conclusion: We consider both flaps to be reliable and adequate for oral cavity/oropharynx reconstruction.

Intraoral Reconstruction with Buccinator Myomucosal Flap

Since the buccinator myomucosal flap was first described, it has been modified, with the study of anatomical model. Therefore, buccinator myomucosal flap can be elevated in various direction according to defect with its sufficient arc of rotation. With the buccinator myomucosal flap, intraoral reconstruction was performed in 3 patients. Two adult patients were suffered from complete cleft palete. Partial tongue reconstruction was performed in another patient following partial glossectomy due to tongue cancer. Satisfied results were obtained in all three patients. In these cases, the author designed flaps in island patterns. It would be more helpful to close donor site primarily and obtaining free rotation arc. The pedicle was located in retromolar trigone, flap detachment was not needed. Considering the disadvantages of other reconstruction methods, such as contracture, hair growth and poor oral hygiene caused by skin graft or conventional free flap, the buccinator myomucosal flap would be another good option for intraoral reconstruction with "like tissue".

Versatile Use of Buccinator Myomucosal Flap for Oral Cavity and Orbital Reconstruction

This paper represents the versatility of buccinator myomucosal flap for intraoral and orbital reconstruction of mild to moderate defect and we introduce recontructive methods are introduced along with our clinical experience. Buccal artery from internal maxillary artery is the main arterial pedicle, and buccal branch from facial artery also can supply blood for the buccinator muscle. The abundant blood flow from interconnected pedicles supports the reliable circulation of the buccal mucosa. So we could reconstruct the eye socket using reversed island buccinator myomucosal flap based on the angular vessel. The motor innervation of the buccinator muscle comes from the facial nerve. The buccinator muscle is considered to be a part of the sphincteric muscular system involving the functions of sucking, whistling, propelling food during mastication and voiding the buccal cavity. From 1990 to 1999, the flap was utilized in 8 patients to reconstruct the small to moderate intraoral defect and 1 patient for orbital mucosal defect. All flaps survived completely. There has been no flap necrosis and fistula. The results have been functionally and esthetically satisfactory. It is very reliable and safe flap with a minimal morbidity of donor site. It doesn't require microsurgical technique. Rapid healing may be achieved with its mucosal nature. We conclude that buccinator myomucosal flap can be widely used with a lot of advantages for intraoral and orbital defect because of its many advantages.

The cervical island flap for intraoral reconstruction following excision of oral cancer: report of 3 cases