scholarly journals Evaluation of Primary and Secondary Free Flap Desyndactylization Techniques in Hand and Digit Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 05 (02) ◽  
pp. e107-e114
Author(s):  
Michael B. Gehring ◽  
Matthew L. Iorio

Abstract Objective Injuries of the hand often require free flap reconstruction. To minimize flap loss, evidence exists to surgically syndactylize digits when repairing multiple injuries, with delayed flap division, or desyndactylization. However, evidence suggests that division of the flap at the time of inset can be accomplished with minimal negative effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes, following hand reconstruction with free flaps utilizing either acute or staged desyndactylization techniques. Methods A systematic review utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Articles that described the use of a free flap for surgically syndactylized digits or multilobed flaps for coverage of multiple digits were included. Results One hundred sixty-one articles were reviewed with 34 fulfilling inclusion criteria. One hundred seventeen patients underwent 145 free flap reconstructions. Traumatic avulsions (49%) were the most common injuries, followed by burns (11%). Twenty-one (62%) papers described surgical syndactylization of digits, which were later desyndactylized and five (15%) papers included reconstruction of more than one digit with multilobed free flaps. Eight papers (24%) described both techniques. Overall, 100% of included flaps survived. Total complication rate was 6%, with six complications (67%) occurring in flaps with primary syndactylization. Conclusion Hand defects often require free flaps for reconstruction. Although free flaps for the reconstruction of digital defects is technically demanding, they result in better outcomes. With available evidence indicating complications rates less than those of staged desyndactylization, multidigit reconstruction with multilobed free flaps may be a more desirable technique.

Author(s):  
Rajan P. Dang ◽  
Lauren T. Roland ◽  
Jeffrey D. Sharon ◽  
Michelle Doering ◽  
Michael R. Chicoine ◽  
...  

Introduction Microvascular free flaps offer an alternative to local and regional flaps for coverage of complex or large skull base defects. Routes and approaches to these reconstructive options are complicated and require an understanding of complex head and neck anatomy. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed using a set of search terms with the help of a qualified librarian. Articles were reviewed and selected for inclusion based on relevance. We were interested in reporting possible routes for free flap accessibility to the skull base as well as microvascular vessel options, as this choice may affect the geometry and accessibility to the defect. Results A total of 1,917 articles were obtained from a comprehensive search and 11 articles were ultimately found to be relevant to this review. Published options for vessel anastomosis and corridors to the skull base following endoscopic endonasal surgery are reviewed, including Caldwell-Luc/transbuccal space, prevertebral space, transpterygoid/parapharyngeal, and transmaxillary approaches. Conclusion The field of endoscopic surgery has continued to advance and provide options for tumors of the skull base. This has led to a need for creative routes to the skull base for free flap reconstruction.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 718
Author(s):  
Benjamin Ziegler ◽  
Gabriel Hundeshagen ◽  
Jan Warszawski ◽  
Emre Gazyakan ◽  
Ulrich Kneser ◽  
...  

Microsurgical free flap reconstruction in acute burn care offers the option of reconstructing even challenging defects in a single stage procedure. Due to altered rheological and hemodynamic conditions in severely burned patients, it bears the risk of a higher complication rate compared to microsurgical reconstruction in other patients. To avoid failure, appropriate indications for free flap reconstruction should be reviewed thoroughly. Several aspects concerning timing of the procedure, individual flap choice, selection and preparation of the recipient vessels, and perioperative measures must be considered. Respecting these specific conditions, a low complication rate, comparable to those seen in microsurgical reconstruction of other traumatic limb defects, can be observed. Hence, the free flap procedure in acute burn care is a relatively safe and reliable tool in the armamentarium of acute burn surgery. In reconstructive burn care, microsurgical tissue transfer is routinely used to treat scar contractures. Due to the more robust perioperative condition of patients, even lower rates of complication are seen in microsurgical reconstruction.


Author(s):  
Rajan P. Dang ◽  
Abhinav R. Ettyreddy ◽  
Zain Rizvi ◽  
Michelle Doering ◽  
Angela L. Mazul ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Given the limitations in the available literature, the precise indications, techniques, and outcomes of anterior skull base free flap reconstruction remain uncertain. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of published literature and evaluate indications, methods, and complications for anterior skull base free flap reconstruction. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed using a set of search criteria to identify patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the anterior skull base. Articles were reviewed for inclusion based on relevance, with the primary outcome being surgical complications. Results After a comprehensive search, 406 articles were obtained and 16 articles were ultimately found to be relevant to this review—79 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction were identified. Overall complication rates were 17.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.6–33.1%) for major complications and 19.0% (95% CI: 17.8–35.5%) for minor complications. Conclusion Microvascular reconstruction of the anterior skull base is feasible with high reliability reported in the literature.


Head & Neck ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Petrovic ◽  
Hina Panchal ◽  
Paula Demetrio De Souza Franca ◽  
Marisol Hernandez ◽  
Colleen C. McCarthy ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Rodi ◽  
Alexander Geierlehner ◽  
Afshin Mosahebi ◽  
Grigorios Tanos ◽  
Justin Conrad Rosen Wormald

2020 ◽  
Vol 1-2 ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
David D. Krijgh ◽  
Milou M.E. van Straeten ◽  
Marc A.M. Mureau ◽  
Antonius J.M. Luijsterburg ◽  
Pascal P.A. Schellekens ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Parkes ◽  
Howard Krein ◽  
Ryan Heffelfinger ◽  
Joseph Curry

Objective. To detail the clinical outcomes of a series of patients having undergone free flap reconstruction of the orbit and periorbita and highlight the anterolateral thigh (ALT) as a workhorse for addressing defects in this region. Methods. A review of 47 patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for orbital or periorbital defects between September 2006 and May 2011 was performed. Data reviewed included demographics, defect characteristics, free flap used, additional reconstructive techniques employed, length of stay, complications, and follow-up. The ALT subset of the case series was the focus of the data reviewed for this paper. Selected cases were described to highlight some of the advantages of employing the ALT for cranio-orbitofacial reconstruction. Results. 51 free flaps in 47 patients were reviewed. 38 cases required orbital exenteration. The ALT was used in 33 patients. Complications included 1 hematoma, 2 wound infections, 3 CSF leaks, and 3 flap failures. Conclusions. Free tissue transfer allows for the safe and effective reconstruction of complex defects of the orbit and periorbital structures. Reconstructive choice is dependent upon the extent of soft tissue loss, midfacial bone loss, and skullbase involvement. The ALT provides a versatile option to reconstruct the many cranio-orbitofacial defects encountered.


Oral Oncology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 113 ◽  
pp. 105117
Author(s):  
Kevin Chorath ◽  
Beatrice Go ◽  
Justin R. Shinn ◽  
Leila J. Mady ◽  
Seerat Poonia ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (04) ◽  
pp. 337-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurren Gill ◽  
David Hsu ◽  
Gurston Nyquist ◽  
Howard Krein ◽  
Jurij Bilyk ◽  
...  

Objective Naso- or orbitocutaneous fistula (NOF) is a challenging complication of orbital exenteration, and it often requires surgical repair. We sought to identify the incidence and risk factors for NOF after orbital exenteration. Study Design Retrospective chart review, systematic review, meta-analysis. Setting Tertiary care center. Participants Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction following orbital exenteration. Records were reviewed for clinicopathologic data, operative details, and outcomes. Main Outcome Measures Univariate analysis was used to assess risk factors for incidence of postoperative NOF. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for published reports on NOF after orbital exenteration. Rates of fistula and odds ratios for predictive factors were compared in a meta-analysis. Results Total 7 of 77 patients (9.1%) developed NOF; fistula formation was associated with ethmoid sinus involvement (p < 0.05) and minor wound break down (p < 0.05). On meta-analysis, pooled rates of fistula formation were 5.8% for free flap patients and 12.5% for patients receiving no reconstruction. Conclusion Immediate postoperative wound complications and medial orbital wall resection increased the risk for NOF. On review and meta-analysis, reconstruction of orbital exenteration defects decreased the risk for fistula formation, but published series did not demonstrate a significant decrease in risk with free flaps compared with other methods of reconstruction.


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