Mega Fibula Free Flap for Reconstruction of an Extensive Mandibulofacial Defect

2020 ◽  
pp. 000348942094678
Author(s):  
Chen Lin ◽  
Akina Tamaki ◽  
Enver Ozer

Objective: Extensive mandibulofacial defects can be challenging to reconstruct. We present the case of a complex mandibulofacial defect reconstructed with a mega, chimeric fibula free flap. Methods: Ablation of the oral cavity tumor resulted in a large defect involving mandible, floor of mouth, and tongue. Skin of the chin and neck as well as the lower lip were also resected. A fibula free flap was harvested with the skin paddle involving most of the lateral compartment. Results: The fibula free flap was split into proximal (80 cm2) and distal (120 cm2) skin paddle islands, which were supplied by separate perforators off the peroneal artery. The intraoral soft tissue defect was reconstructed with the proximal skin paddle while the skin was recreated with the distal skin paddle. A Karapandzic flap was used to reconstruct the lower lip. Conclusions: The traditional fibula free flap skin paddle often does not provide sufficient soft tissue coverage for large mandibulofacial defects. Some surgeons opt to harvest a second free flap. We describe our technique for using the mega fibula free flap – one of the largest reported in the literature – as a single mode of reconstruction.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mohammed Qaisi ◽  
Ryan Dee ◽  
Issam Eid ◽  
James Murphy ◽  
Ignacio A. Velasco Martinez ◽  
...  

Background. Extensive through-and-through oromandibular defects after advanced oral carcinoma excision pose a reconstructive challenge for the head and neck surgeon. These complex oromandibular wounds often involve the mandible, oral and/or aerodigestive mucosa, and the external skin. As a result, these defects are often not amenable to reconstruction with a single flap due to the volume of soft tissue needed and the three-dimensional reconstructive requirement. The use of two free flaps has often been suggested to overcome this reconstructive challenge. A simpler and less technically demanding way to deal with this may involve the use of a free flap in combination with a pedicled regional flap. We present our experience of the use of a simultaneous microvascular fibula free flap (FFF) with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMC) for addressing these defects.Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed of patients treated with a FFF and PMMC combination for the reconstruction of oromandibular defects at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson, MS) between October 2013 and February 2016. A minimum follow-up of 12 months was required. Data collected included the extent and location of tumor involvement, size of the postablative defect, tumor histology, clinical and pathological staging, length of follow-up, functional outcomes, and associated complications.Results. A total of three patients were identified to have been treated with the above technique. Defects repaired involved through-and-through mandibular defects with associated oral mucosa and external skin defects. In all cases, the FFF was used for restoring bony continuity with the skin paddle used to reconstruct the intraoral lining. The PMMC was used for reconstruction of the external skin defect and for providing soft tissue bulk. The average size of the fibula skin paddle used for intraoral reconstruction was7.7 cm×11.7 cm. The average size of the PMMC paddle was7.3×9 cm. The mean follow-up was 21.7 months. Both the FFF and PMMC survived in all cases, although postoperative wound healing complications occurred in two of the three patients. There was one partial flap loss. Two patients regained good oral intake while one patient tolerated oral intake but was PEG tube-dependent.Conclusions. The combination of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and a vascularized free fibular flap is a viable option for the reconstruction of complex through-and-through oromandibular defects. This technique may be useful when a single microvascular free flap is not sufficient for reconstruction of such defects.


1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Parintosa Atmodiwirjo ◽  
Laureen Supit

Background: Wounds on the distal third of the lower extremity are reconstructively challenging, as there is lack of spare local tissue to design local flaps from. The perceived alternative is to perform free flaps to cover for these defects. Drawbacks include the need for specific training to perform microsurgery, longer time required, and the probable bulkiness when donor is obtained from certain areas. The perforator propeller flap is a local island fasciocutaneous flap, designed with 2 blades of skin island of unequal length extending from each side of the perforator. As the flap is rotated, the longer blade will cover the defect. Patient and Method: A case of soft tissue defect on the achilles is reported, with successful defect closure by utilizing a peronal artery perforator based fasciocutaneous propeller flap with 180 degree rotation and vein supercharge to facilitate backflow. Secondary defect required split-thickness skin grafting. Result: After surgery, muscles of the lower limb started to swell and get compromised. We removed some stitches to allow soft tissue expansion underneath the flap. after the release, flap perfusion improved. Stitches were left open for 3 days, then closure of flap edges by placing gradual traction sutures which were tightened daily. By the 7th day, flap edges was re-approximated and the skin grafts took well. Summary: The ability of the propeller flap to rotate makes this flap highly useful and versatile for the reconstruction of distal lower limb defects. Flap dimension can be enhanced when distal part of the flap is supercharged to neighboring recipient vessels. Another advantage is the close vicinity of donor, giving better aesthetic result.6


2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
So-Min Hwang ◽  
Jang Hyuk Kim ◽  
Hong-Il Kim ◽  
Yong-Hui Jung ◽  
Hyung-Do Kim

1993 ◽  
Vol 217 (5) ◽  
pp. 542-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Saltz ◽  
Robert Stowers ◽  
Michael Smith ◽  
Thomas R. Gadacz

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-37
Author(s):  
Debashis Biswas ◽  
Md Abul Kalam ◽  
Tanveer Ahmed ◽  
Md Rabiul Karim Khan

Extensive soft tissue defects following trauma, burn or after cancer surgery need coverage by flaps. Sometimes surrounding tissues are not healthy enough or quantity is not favorable to provide adequate pedicle flaps. Microvascular free flap can provide healthy tissue of adequate amount from distant area for those difficult situations.15 microvascular free flaps were performed from October 2011 to February 2013. Radial forearm free flap was done in 8 and Latissimusdorsi (LD) flap in 7 cases. 10 flaps done in foot, ankle & lower leg region (radial forearm-5, LD-5) and 5 flaps were done in face and scalp region (radial forearm-4, LD-1).12 flaps healed uneventfully with good coverage of the defect. Average ischemia time was 135 min (range 100-240 min) and average anastomosis time was 75 min (average 60-100 min). 2 flaps failed. There was necrosis of the tip of 2 LD and cumbersome swelling of the flap was found in 2 cases of LD flaps.Large soft tissue defect of body where local or regional flaps are not feasible; can be easily covered with free flaps. Its capacity to cover huge soft tissue defect has neutralizes its technical demand. Though complications are still high in our hands; can be reduced performing more number of cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i2.18242 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery July 2012, 3(2): 33-37


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-216
Author(s):  
Nor Hazla Mohamed Haflah ◽  
Min Hwei Ng ◽  
Mohd Heikal Mohd Yunus ◽  
Amaramalar Selvee Naicker ◽  
Ohnmar Htwe ◽  
...  

Open fracture Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIC is associated with higher risk of infection and problems with soft tissue coverage. Various methods have been used for soft tissue coverage in open fractures with large skin defect. We report a case of a patient who had grade IIIC open fracture of the tibia with posterior tibial artery injury. The patient underwent external fixation and reduction. Because of potential compartment syndrome after vascular repair, fasciotomy of the posterior compartment was performed. This wound, however, became infected and because of further debridement, gave rise to a large skin defect. A tissue engineered skin construct, MyDermTM was employed to cover this large defect. Complete wound closure was achieved 35 days postimplantation. The patient then underwent plating of the tibia for nonunion with no adverse effect to the grafted site. The tibia eventually healed 5 months postplating, and the cosmetic appearance of the newly formed skin was satisfactory.


2005 ◽  
Vol 38 (02) ◽  
pp. 138-143
Author(s):  
M P Suri ◽  
A G Patel ◽  
H J Vora ◽  
S C Raibagkar ◽  
D R Mehta ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTWe present a simple algorithm for management of post-traumatic posterior heel defect. We covered these with various flaps depending upon the defect size, its exact location, associated injuries, extent of zone of trauma, and complexity of the defect. The aim was to select the most suitable method for soft tissue coverage for posterior heel reconstruction.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 1074-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lifeng Shen ◽  
Yiyang Liu ◽  
Chun Zhang ◽  
Qiaofeng Guo ◽  
Wenhua Huang ◽  
...  

Objective To describe the characteristics of the perforator vessel in the peroneal artery of the lower leg and to explore the use of perforator pedicle propeller flaps to repair soft tissue defects in the lower leg, heel and foot. Methods This retrospective study enrolled patients with soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg, heel and foot who underwent surgery using peroneal perforator-based propeller flaps. The peroneal artery perforators were identified preoperatively by colour duplex Doppler ultrasound. The flap was designed based on the preoperatively-identified perforator location, with the posterior border of the fibula employed as an axis, and the perforator vessel as the pivot point of rotation. Patients were followed-up to determine the outcomes. Results The study analysed 36 patients (mean age, 39.7 years). The majority of the soft tissue defects were on the heel (20; 55.6%). The donor-site of the flap was closed in 11 patients by direct suturing and skin grafting was undertaken in 25 patients. Postoperative complications included venous congestion (nine patients), which was managed with delayed wound coverage and bleeding therapy. All wounds were eventually cured and the flaps were cosmetically acceptable. Conclusions The peroneal perforator pedicle propeller flap is an appropriate choice to repair soft tissue defects of the distal limbs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. e87-e90
Author(s):  
Fernando Herrera ◽  
Karen Horton ◽  
Ryan Brennan ◽  
Gregory Buncke ◽  
Rudolph Buntic

AbstractWe report a case of a 20-year-old patient who sustained a mutilating crush injury to the left-hand index and ring finger volar surface measuring 5 × 6 cm from the distal end of the proximal phalanx to the fingertips. After thorough debridement and stabilization of the skeletal injury, a radial forearm fascia only free flap measuring 6 × 7 cm was used to resurface the distal soft tissue volar defect of two adjacent fingers. Digital nerve grafting was also required, and this was done using autologous nerve graft from the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This thin fascia only flap allows for stable soft tissue coverage and provides a gliding surface for the underlying tendons. The neosyndactylized digits were safely divided at 3-month follow-up, and excellent functional and aesthetic results were achieved. The radial forearm fascia is a thin, durable, and pliable tissue that is based on the radial artery as a vascular pedicle. We consider this free fascial flap as a valuable option for coverage of multiple complex distal digit injuries using a single flap and highly recommend its use.


Hand ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 586-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques H. Hacquebord ◽  
Douglas P. Hanel ◽  
Jeffrey B. Friedrich

Background: The pedicled latissimus flap has been shown to provide effective coverage of wounds around the elbow with an average size of 100 to 147 cm2 but with complication rates of 20% to 57%. We believe the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap is an effective and safe technique that provides reliable and durable coverage of considerably larger soft tissue defects around the elbow and proximal forearm. Methods: A retrospective review was performed including all patients from Harborview Medical Center between 1998 and 2012 who underwent coverage with pedicled latissimus dorsi flap for defects around the elbow. Demographic information, injury mechanism, soft tissue defect size, complications (minor vs major), and time to surgery were collected. The size of the soft tissue defect, complications, and successful soft tissue coverage were the primary outcome measures. Results: A total of 18 patients were identified with variable mechanisms of injury. Average defect size around the elbow was 422 cm2. Three patients had partial necrosis of the distal most aspect of the flap, which was treated conservatively. One patient required a secondary fasciocutaneous flap, and another required conversion to a free latissimus flap secondary to venous congestion. Two were lost to follow-up after discharge from the hospital. In all, 88% (14 of 16) of the patients had documented (>3-month follow-up) successful soft tissue coverage with single-stage pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. Conclusions: The pedicled latissimus dorsi flap is a reliable option for large and complex soft tissue injuries around the elbow significantly larger than previous reports. However, coverage of the proximal forearm remains challenging.


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