Successful Management of Naso-Oropharyngeal Stenosis Using Nasal Pedicled Flaps: Report of Two Cases

Naso-oropharyngeal stenosis is an uncommon but serious complication after naso-oropharyngeal surgery. Surgical failure and re-stenosis are common. We report two cases of severe naso-oropharyngeal stenosis, which were successfully treated with the use of nasal pedicled flaps.

Postoperative Complications Associated with the Choice of Reconstruction in Head and Neck Cancer: An Outcome Analysis of 4,712 Patients from the ACS-NSQIP Database

Background Microsurgical free flaps have largely supplanted pedicled flaps as the gold standard for head and neck cancer reconstruction. However, incidence of postoperative complications after accounting for patient comorbidities based on choice of reconstruction has not been well-defined in the literature in recent years. Methods Patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction were identified in the 2011–2016 ACS-NSQIP (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) database and stratified into groups by free flap, myocutaneous pedicled flap, and other reconstruction. Demographics were analyzed and covariates balanced using overlap propensity score-based weighting. Logistic regression was used for binary outcomes and Gamma generalized linear model was used for length of stay. Results A total of 4,712 patients met inclusion criteria out of which 1,297 patients (28%) underwent free flap, 208 patients (4%) pedicled flap, and 3,207 patients (68%) had other, or no reconstruction performed. After adjusting for patient and disease-specific factors, pedicled flap reconstruction was associated with a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.64, confidence interval [CI] 1.02–6.85, p = 0.045), sepsis (OR = 2.95, CI 1.52–5.71, p = 0.001), and infection (OR = 2.03, CI 1.39–2.96, p <0.001) compared with free flap reconstruction. Free flaps had the longest mean operative time compared with the other two groups (unadjusted 578 vs. 440 vs. 326, p <0.001). Pedicled flaps had a lower incidence of bleeding requiring transfusion (adjusted OR = 0.65, CI 0.50–0.85, p = 0.002), and lower incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilation (adjusted OR = 0.33, CI 0.12–0.92, p = 0.034) compared with free flaps. There was no difference in rates of reoperation, hospital readmission, or hospital length-of-stay between pedicled and free flaps. Conclusion Myocutaneous pedicled flaps are associated with higher overall short-term postoperative complications compared with free flaps in head and neck reconstruction, which demonstrate a more favorable morbidity profile without significantly impacting hospital readmission, reoperation, or length-of-stay.

Perineal reconstruction following anorectal excision

Anorectal abdominoperineal excision, either as a primary procedure for rectal cancer or as a salvage procedure for residual or recurrent anal cancer following chemoradiotherapy, creates a defect of the pelvic floor, pelvic dead space, and a perineal skin defect and may include a defect of the posterior vaginal wall. The ideal reconstruction should address all components of this defect and aims to achieve primary uncomplicated healing while preserving and restoring function. Pedicled flaps from the abdomen, gluteal and thigh regions, and occasionally free flaps are available for this purpose. There is increasing evidence that flap reconstruction improves perineal healing especially where there is a history of radiotherapy.

Evaluation of pedicled flaps for type IIIB open fractures of the tibia at a tertiary care center

Background Soft tissue coverage plays a vital role in replacing the vascularity of the underlying bone in Gustilo type IIIB fractures. The aim of this article was to evaluate the feasibility of local pedicled flaps in type IIIB fractures at a tertiary care center.Methods We included all cases of open Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fractures of the tibia treated with local flap coverage from January 2017 to February 2019. We carried out a retrospective analysis to investigate the relationships of complications, hospital stay, and cost-effectiveness with the choice of flap, infective foci, site and size of the defect, and type of fixation.Results Out of 138 Gustilo type IIIB fractures analyzed in our study, 27 cases had complications, of which 19 (13.76%) involved flap necrosis, four (2.89%) were infections, three (2.17%) involved partial necrosis, and one (0.72%) was related to bone spur development. Flap complications showed a statistically significant association with the perforator flap category (propeller flaps in particular) (P=0.001). Flap necrosis showed a significant positive correlation with cases treated within 3 weeks after trauma (P=0.046). A significant positive correlation was also found between defect size and the duration of hospital stay (P=0.03).Conclusions Although local flaps are harvested from the same leg that underwent trauma, their success rate is at least as high as microvascular flaps as reported from other centers. Amidst the local flaps, complications were predominantly associated with perforator flaps.

Pedicled Cervical Lymphoadipose Tissue for Volume Reconstruction after Superficial Parotidectomy

Volume restoration is often required after parotidectomy due to the resultant facial contour deformity. Common procedures include local pedicled flaps, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap, fat grafting, and even autologous free flaps, for more extensive defects. Local pedicled flaps have the advantage of a single surgical site, which spares the patient the added morbidity of a separate fat graft donor site, while simultaneously reducing the operative time. We report two cases of a novel reconstructive option using pedicled level I and II cervical lymphoadipose tissue for volume restoration after superficial parotidectomy. This reconstruction would be useful for patients with benign parotid lesions and inferior parotid defects. In addition, with maintained blood supply to this tissue, it would likely provide sustained bulk over time.

Characterizing the Functional and Cosmetic Outcomes of Pedicled Neck Flaps in Patients Who Underwent Partial Tongue Resection: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Pedicled flaps from infrahyoid, pectoralis major, and trapezius were commonly used for partial tongue reconstruction. Not until a free radial forearm flap was introduced. The flap is recommended for patients with tongue defects ≤ 50% because of its thinness, pliability, and long pedicle. This systematic review explores the functional and cosmetic outcomes of pedicled flaps from the neck region for patients who underwent partial tongue resection or hemiglossectomy. Method: A systematic literature searching was performed on PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane. Keywords included were pedicled flap, neck flap, partial tongue resection, hemiglossectomy, and partial neck surgery. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the search results. Relevant studies were assessed for their methodological quality using appropriate instruments. Results: Four hundred and twenty-four articles were obtained from the initial literature search. The authors finally gathered 11 full-text articles comparing the pedicled neck flaps with free flaps for partial tongue resection reconstructions. Pedicled neck flaps, such as submental, infrahyoid, sternocleidomastoid, and supraclavicular artery island flap, are clinically relevant for hemiglossectomy reconstruction with comparable functional and aesthetic outcomes. Conclusion: Regional flaps would be a preferred technique in more difficult patients such as those with advanced age, poor nutrition, or multiple medical issues as they are not always acceptable surgical candidates for potentially prolonged microsurgery.

635 Free Versus Pedicled Flaps for Primary Reconstruction of Electrical Injuries: A Systematic Review and Observational Meta-Analysis

Introduction Both high-voltage (&gt;1000 V) and low-voltage (&lt; 1000 V) electrical burns can cause serious injuries due to dissipation of heat as electric current passes through deep tissues. Because of tissue loss and vital structure exposure, flap-based reconstruction is frequently performed in patients with these injuries. Depending on clinical presentation, both free and pedicled flaps may be indicated. We wondered if reported reconstructive outcomes after electrical injury differ between free and pedicled flaps when implemented in the immediate post-injury period. Methods A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE databases. Articles that were included described patients with electrical burn injuries who underwent reconstruction with either free or pedicled flaps within 90 days of injury. Technique articles or articles lacking outcomes analysis were excluded. Data was extracted from articles that met inclusion and exclusion criteria, including flap type, timing of reconstruction, complications, and patient demographics. Statistical analysis was performed with chi-square tests. Results Of 536 articles obtained from the literature search, 37 met criteria. To date, no randomized control trials comparing these modalities have been performed. In total, these studies reported on 364 total patients who experienced high- and low-voltage electrical burn injuries. Pooled reported outcomes of 374 flap reconstructions were analyzed, including 145 free flaps and 229 pedicled flaps. Reported complication rates did not differ significantly between free flaps (30/145, 20.7%) and pedicled flaps (46/229, 20.1%; p = .89). However, free flaps experienced significantly higher failure rates than pedicled flaps (13/145, 9.0% vs. 0/229, 0%; p = &lt; .05). Conclusions Electrical burn injuries present a unique indication for flap-based reconstruction in the immediate post-burn phase of care. However, substantial variation exists amongst physicians regarding whether to proceed with a free flap or pedicled flap surgery when indicated. Our data identified an overall significant difference between free versus pedicled flap failure rate but did not identify a significant difference between overall complication rates.