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.

The contralateral based Cervico-pectoral rotation flap for large neck defects

Purpose We here describe our technique of contralateral based cervico-pectoral (CCP) flap for the reconstruction of large neck defect following resection of primary tumour or recurrence particularly due to the lymph node mass. Methods The study included the patients who underwent major head and neck surgical ablative procedures followed by CCP flap reconstruction between July 2020 and November 2020. Patients were kept on rigorous regular follow-up to evaluate for flap related complications like flap necrosis, flap dehiscence and oro-cutaneous fistula. Among the 5 patients included and presented in the series, 2 patients were salvage cases post adjuvant treatment. Results Five patients who have undergone head and neck reconstruction using CCP flap were included. No major flap related complications occurred in post-operative period. Conclusion The CCP flap is simple to perform and reproducible and can be added to the armamentarium for the reconstruction of large upper neck defect following resection of primary tumour or recurrence involving the cervical skin in resource limited setting and in contraindication for microvascular reconstruction. Proper planning, meticulous dissection and adequate release or rotation and tension free closure would provide best outcomes.

Surgical Decision Making in Complex Facial Gunshot Wound Reconstruction

Introduction: With a rise in gun violence across the United States, facial gunshot wounds (GSWs) present a challenging reconstructive problem that was once seldom encountered in civilian populations. Reconstruction of facial GSW injuries requires a combination of both microvascular and craniofacial surgical techniques. The aim of this study is to explore our experience with facial GSW injuries through an anatomic classification scheme and investigate the surgical techniques necessary to complete such reconstructions. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at a tertiary academic center. All subjects who suffered facial GSWs and underwent definitive reconstruction at our institution were included. Facial GSWs were classified into 4 distinct anatomical zones of injury: lower (mandible), middle (maxilla and orbit), upper (above the orbit), and multi-zone injury. Microvascular reconstruction was further investigated based on the types of flaps used and the location of flap inset. Surgical outcomes, numbers of procedures, and complications were assessed, and statistical comparisons were made. Results: Thirty-six subjects underwent a total of 322 surgeries. Twenty subjects had multi-zone injury; 16 had single zone injury. Eighteen of the 36 subjects (50%) required microvascular reconstruction. These 18 subjects underwent a significantly increased number of reconstructive procedures ( P = .023). Twenty-six flaps were used, as multiple subjects required >1 flap. Fourteen of the 26 flaps were used in the middle third (54%), 7 in the lower third (27%), and 5 in the upper third (19%). Six flap complications required further surgical revision. On average, multi-zone injuries required more surgical procedures to complete reconstruction ( P = .018). Conclusion: Composite multi-zone facial GSW injuries present a higher degree of reconstructive complexity, and thus often require more surgical procedures, especially when the midface is involved. In our experience, microvascular reconstruction is more often used in multizone injury, and in our series was associated with an increased number of reconstructive procedures.

Head and neck oncological reconstruction with 114 free flaps in a Portuguese tertiary cancer center

Introduction: The Portuguese experience in microsurgical reconstruction of the head and neck after oncological surgery is scantly described. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the use of microvascular reconstruction after head and neck tumor resection in a Portuguese tertiary oncological centerMaterial and Methods: The authors retrospectively evaluated 114 microvascular free flap procedures performed for head and neck reconstruction after oncological resection in a department of Head and Neck Surgery of a Portuguese tertiary oncological center. Patients were operated on from January 2012 to May 2018. Data on patient demographic features, tumour characteristics, perioperative complications, postoperative aesthetic and functional results, survival time and time to recurrence were extracted.Results: Most tumours mandating microsurgical reconstruction were mucosal squamous cell carcinomas (85%) and were located in the oral region (95.6%). Around 45% of the patients had a T4a tumour and 30% a T2 tumour. Cervical metastases were present in 45.6% of the cases. The radial forearm flap and the fibular flap were the most commonly used microsurgical reconstructive options (58% and 41%, respectively). More than 80% of patients had no post-operative complications. Partial necrosis of the flap occurred in 6.1% of patients, while total flap necrosis occurred in 3.5% of cases. Aesthetic and functional results were considered at least satisfactory in all patients in which the flaps survived.Discussion: This study is by far the largest series of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction after oncological surgery reported by a single tertiary centre in Portugal. Survival and functional benefits are similar to those reported in other large oncological centres in the world.Conclusion: Microvascular reconstruction seems like a reliable treatment option in head and neck oncological surgery at our institution.

1318 Peri and Post-operative Fluid Management in Relation to Outcomes in Free Flap Reconstructive Surgery - A Systematic Review

Aim Free tissue transfer is one of the options available in the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon. Being a highly demanding and skilled procedure, success is dependent not only on the technical aspect of the anastomosis, but also on other variables including a patient’s fluid status. In order to address the controversy surrounding optimal fluid balance in free flap reconstruction, a systematic review of studies investigating the influence of peri and post- operative fluid balance on free flap reconstruction outcomes was carried out. Method We searched the Medline database from 1970 to 2020 and manually searched the bibliographies of relevant studies. The articles were graded according to the level of evidence set out by the Centre for Evidenced-Based Medicine and followed the PRISMA guidelines. Results Of the 62 abstracts screened, we identified 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of the 14 studies, 12 studies concluded that excessive fluid therapy led to either medical or surgical complications (including free flap complications) or increased length of hospital stay. One study concluded that restricted fluid therapy led to a higher complication rate of delayed thrombotic events. One study reported no difference between volume of fluid administered with respect to pulmonary complications. Conclusions An important aspect of successful microvascular reconstruction involves determining a patient’s fluid status and targeted optimal resuscitation. This is best achieved with goal directed fluid therapy using tools such as an oesophageal doppler or other arterial waveform- based systems. Further good quality trials are required to determine which system is superior.