An Ode to Gillies and Millard: “The Ten Commandments Applied to Self-Inflicted Head and Neck Gunshot Wounds”

Within the field of craniofacial trauma surgery, reconstruction following high-energy ballistic injuries to the face remains a daunting task requiring a multidisciplinary approach for best outcomes. These injuries are complex with large defects requiring reconstruction of different lamellae and skeletal buttresses of the face and no 2 are exactly alike. The reconstruction efforts are multidimensional and focus on restoring facial height, width, projection, jaw occlusion, and function. We present a challenging course of a 56 year old patient with a self- inflicted gunshot wound to the face that resulted in devastating injuries to the mandible and midface. We describe our multistage and multiple technique surgical approach that spanned nearly 2 years and 11 operations that included open reduction, internal fixation of extensive facial fractures, primary bone grafting, free fibula for maxillary reconstruction and palatal fistula obliteration, pre-expanded paramedian forehead flap, and mandibular distraction. In reviewing the patient’s course, his complications, and wins, we were inspired by the fundamentals principles of head and neck reconstruction as we interpreted from the famous “Ten Commandments of Drs. Gillies and Millard.” We discuss these Commandments with the reader in our reflection of this challenging reconstruction and hope others, particularly, those in training are encouraged to find application of the “Ten Commandments” we review as they develop their own surgical practices and styles.

Proposed Prediction Model and Nomogram for Systemic Complications in Patients Undergoing Free Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction

Postoperative complications in head and neck surgery are well-known, but a predictive model to guide clinicians in free flap reconstructions has not been established. This retrospective single-center observational study assessed 131 patients who underwent ablative surgery and received free flap reconstruction. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of systemic complications (PSC). Secondary endpoint was the generation of a nomogram of complications according to the CDC classification. In the ordinal regression model, postoperative administration of furosemide [1.36 (0.63–2.11), p < 0.0001], blood loss [0.001 (0.0004–0.0020), p = 0.004], postoperative nadir hemoglobin [−0.03 (−0.07–0.01), p = 0.108], smoking [0.72 (0.02–1.44), p = 0.043], and type of flap reconstruction [1.01 (0.21–1.84), p = 0.014] as predictors. A nomogram with acceptable discrimination was proposed (Somer's delta: 0.52). Application of this nomogram in clinical practice could help identify potentially modifiable risk factors and thus reduce the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck.

Submental Island Flap After Prior Contralateral Neck Dissection: A Case Series and Technical Considerations

Objectives: The submental island flap is a dependable workhorse in head and neck reconstruction. However, the viability of this flap has not been established for oral cavity reconstruction when a contralateral neck dissection has already been performed in an earlier surgical setting. The aim of this study is to highlight technical considerations and outcomes of this approach with a small case series. Methods: Three cases of oral cavity reconstruction with a submental island flap elevated in the context of a prior contralateral neck dissection are presented. Results: In all cases, a doppler was used to identify the maintenance of the submental perforator in the neck opposite the previous neck dissection. In 2 cases, level IA was included within the dissection field of the previous neck dissection. Additionally, the old neck scar was included within the skin paddle of the submental island flap in 2 cases. In all cases, excellent healing of the flap was observed without partial or complete loss. Conclusions: The submental island flap appears to be a reliable reconstruction when a previous contralateral neck dissection has been performed, even when level IA was included in the prior dissection.

Microvascular free flap for head and neck reconstruction: our experiences with 218 free flaps for head and neck reconstructions

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Defect following radical resection for advance head and neck cancers are complex and without doubt microvascular free flap offer the best reconstructive option. The purpose of this study is to investigate the flap survival rate and review each vascular compromised flaps.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is a reviewed of 218 microvascular free flaps done for reconstruction of 204 head and neck patients. There were 112 (51.3%) radial forearm flaps (RFF), 82 (37.6%) fibula flaps (FF) and 24 (11%) anterior lateral thigh (ALT) flaps. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> There were 16 complete flap loss and 3 partial flap loss, giving an overall flap survival rate 91.8% (19/218) and flap survival in turn of complete loss 92.7% (16/218). In RFF, there were 7 complete and 1 partial flap loss, giving an overall flap survival rate 92.9% (8/112) and flap survival in turn of complete loss 93.8% (7/112). In FF, there were 6 complete flap loss, giving a flap survival rate 92.7% (6/82). In ALT flap, there were 3 complete and 2 partial flaps loss, giving an overall flap survival rate 79.2% (5/24) and flap survival in turn of flap complete loss 87.5% (3/24). In our series vascular flaps complications rate was 12.3% (27/218), with a salvageable rate of 29.6% (8/27). The most salvageable flap was RFF 46.6% (7/15).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The study re-enforce the learning curve in microvascular free flap and RFF is a good flap for a beginner. </p>