Reconstructive methods to resolve intractable fistulas that develop after radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer

Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is frequently used for supportive treatment and management of advanced head and neck cancers. This study performed a retrospective review of the treatment methods that were used for intractable draining fistulas in seven patients who had received RT for head and neck cancers. Treatment methods used for two of the seven patients are presented in detail.Methods: From 2009 to 2020, seven patients underwent reconstructive surgery for intractable fistulas which occurred after RT for head and neck cancers. Patient characteristics, medical history, treatment method, and treatment outcome were reviewed for each case. The type of surgery performed, failure rate, and treatment period were also analyzed. Results: In this study, a total of seven patients received additional management for radiation-induced fistulas. Patients underwent a mean of 3.3± 1.4 surgeries (maximum: six surgeries) to resolve their fistulas. The mean time interval from the first surgery to the last surgery for the patients to achieve resolution of the fistula was 8.7 months. Loco-regional flaps have performed an average of 1.9± 1.5 times. However, all loco-regional flaps failed. Instead, the patients’ intractable fistulas were resolved with the use of distant flaps or free tissue transfers. Conclusion: Fistulas that develop after head and neck cancer treatment following RT are difficult to treat with simple loco-regional flap procedures. Therefore, more aggressive treatment techniques, such as distant flap or free tissue transfer, may be needed to shorten patients’ treatment periods and avoid unnecessary surgeries.

Surgical repair of a large intrathoracic meningocele associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 after failed cystoperitoneal shunts: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Surgical treatment of intrathoracic meningoceles, commonly associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), aims to reduce sac size for symptomatic relief. The procedures can be divided into cerebrospinal fluid diversion and definitive repair. The authors describe the management of an intrathoracic meningocele in a 56-year-old female with preexisting NF1. OBSERVATIONS The patient presented with progressive dyspnea. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left hemithoracic meningocele arising from the thecal sac at C7–T2. Two attempts at diversion by cystoperitoneal shunts resulted in recurrence. For definitive repair, T2–3 costotransversectomy was performed, and intradural closure of the meningocele opening was performed utilizing spinal dura and autologous fascia lata graft. Trapezius muscle regional flap was turned for reinforcement. Persistent leak warranted reoperation 7 days later. A transthoracic approach was undertaken using video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the sac at aortic arch level, with reinforcement by latissimus dorsi flap and synthetic materials. Mechanical pleurodesis was performed. Intradural repair of the meningocele opening was revised. LESSONS Inherent dural abnormality makes repair difficult for meningoceles associated with NF1. A combined intradural and thoracoscopic approach with regional muscle flap and synthetic material reinforcement is a unique method for definitive treatment. Some essential points of perioperative management are highlighted.

Staged Head and Neck Reconstruction: Heresy or a Reasoned Approach in a Select Group of Patients?

Study Design: case series. Objective: The restoration of defects in a single procedure with microvascular free flap reconstruction has become a mainstay of head and neck surgery. Yet in patients with complex defects and pre-existing comorbid medical conditions, a staged-reconstructive approach can enhance the safety of the procedure and improve the patient’s outcome. Methods: We present 3 representative case examples of a larger series of patients who underwent reconstruction of major defects and discuss the usefulness of a staged-reconstructive approach in the management of complex patients. Results: All 3 patients, with an existing composite defect in the setting of prior radiation therapy, underwent successful staged-reconstructive surgery using a variety of free tissue and regional flap transfers. Conclusions: A staged approach facilitates the reconstruction of complex composite defects, increases vessel availability, and mitigates the risk of flap failure. Although this approach commits the patient to multiple procedures and a more prolonged plan of care, it is preferable to 1 operation in specific complex situations with adverse, high-risk clinical features.

Salvage laryngectomy after primary radio- and radiochemotherapy

Background Recurrent and residual laryngeal cancer after organ-preserving radio- or radiochemotherapy is associated with a poor prognosis. Salvage surgery is the most important therapeutic option in these cases. Objective The study assessed rates of recurrence and residual tumor as well as survival and complication rates after salvage laryngectomy at the authors’ academic cancer center. Materials and methods A retrospective examination of all patients receiving laryngectomy between 2001 and 2019 due to tumor residuals or recurrence after primary radio- and radiochemotherapy was conducted. Results A total of 33 salvage procedures were performed. Defect reconstruction was performed by free flap surgery in 30.3% (n = 10) and regional flap surgery in 15.2% (n = 5) . One patient received regional flap surgery and free flap surgery simultaneously. Overall survival after 1, 2, and 5 years was 68.7, 47.9, and 24.2%, and disease-free survival was 81.6, 47.8, and 24.2%, respectively, with 48.5% (n = 16) postoperative tumor recurrences overall. Disease-free survival was significantly shorter for tumor extension into or onto the hypopharynx (p = 0.041). Postoperatively, 72.7% of patients developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula, of which 24.2% required surgical treatment. The hospital stay was 28.0 ± 16.1 days. Conclusion Salvage laryngectomy is associated with a high rate of treatable complications and high morbidity. Nevertheless, considering the advanced tumor stages treated, it allows for respectable oncological results.

Technique of neo-pharynx reconstruction with supra-clavicular artery island flap in a case of pharyngeal stricture

<p class="abstract">Pharyngeal stenosis frequently occurs after laryngectomy or laryngo-pharyngectomy, more commonly in patients complicated with a post-operative pharyngo-cutaneous fistula. Oral feeding becomes challenging, restricted to liquids. In such cases, dilatations can be futile if there is a complete stricture necessiating surgery. We present a case of 72 -year-old man who underwent total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy with pectoral major myocutaneous flap reconstruction for second primary of hypopharyngeal T3N0M0, after primary laryngeal T1N0M0 treated with RT presented with nearly 4 cm pharyngeal stricture causing him absolute dysphagia. Multiple dilations failed to create adequate passage, pharyngeal stricture was then excised, and a neopharynx was constructed with supraclavicular artery island flap. The outcome was uneventful with restoration of normal pharyngeal permeability and swallowing by 12^th post-operative day. Post-operative follow-up after 8 months remained satisfactory. Resection of limited height pharyngeal stenosis can be successfully performed as end-to-end anastomosis whereas reconstruction of a long segment pharyngeal stricture utilizing a loco-regional flap gives satisfactory outcome.</p>

The importance of flaps in reconstruction of locoregionally advanced lateral skull-base cancer defects: a tertiary otorhinolaryngology referral centre experience

Background The aim of the study was to identify the value of extensive resection and reconstruction with flaps in the treatment of locoregionally advanced lateral skull-base cancer. Patients and methods The retrospective case review of patients with lateral skull-base cancer treated surgically with curative intent between 2011 and 2019 at a tertiary otorhinolaryngology referral centre was made. Results Twelve patients with locoregionally advanced cancer were analysed. Lateral temporal bone resection was performed in nine (75.0%), partial parotidectomy in six (50.0%), total parotidectomy in one (8.3%), ipsilateral selective neck dissection in eight (66.7%) and ipsilateral modified radical neck dissection in one patient (8.3%). The defect was reconstructed with anterolateral thigh free flap, radial forearm free flap or pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in two patients (17.0%) each. Mean overall survival was 3.1 years (SD = 2.5) and cancer-free survival rate 100%. At the data collection cut-off, 83% of analysed patients and 100% of patients with flap reconstruction were alive. Conclusions Favourable local control in lateral skull-base cancer, which mainly involves temporal bone is achieved with an extensive locoregional resection followed by free or regional flap reconstruction. Universal cancer registry should be considered in centres treating this rare disease to alleviate analysis and multicentric research.

Permanent Interstitial Cesium-131 Brachytherapy in Treating High-Risk Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Pilot Study

Purpose/ObjectivesTo establish the feasibility and safety of intraoperative placement of cesium-131 (Cs-131) seeds for re-irradiation in recurrent head and neck cancer (HNC).MethodsPatients with resectable recurrent HNC who were deemed to have a high risk of second recurrence were eligible. Immediately after tumor extirpation, seeds were implanted in the surgical bed based on the preoperative treatment plan with intraoperative adjustment. The surgical bed and the seeds were covered with a regional flap or microvascular free flap. A CT of the neck was obtained on postoperative day 1 for evaluation of the postoperative dose distribution. Patients were followed 1 and 3 months after surgery, then every 3 months in the first 2 years.ResultsFrom November 2016 to September 2018, 15 patients were recruited and 12 patients received treatment per protocol. For the patients who had implants, the sites of initial recurrence included 10 neck alone, 1 neck and larynx, and 1 neck/peristomal. The median follow-up was 21.4 months. After surgery, patients remained hospitalized for a median of 6 days. There were no high-grade toxicities except two patients with wound complications requiring wound care. Eight patients had recurrences, three locoregional alone, three distant alone, and two with both locoregional and distant recurrences. Only one patient had an in-field failure. Five patients died, with 1- and 2-year overall survival of 75 and 58%.ConclusionsCs-131 implant after surgical resection in recurrent HNC is feasible and safe. There were no unexpected severe toxicities. Most failures were out-of-field or distant.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02794675.

Reconstruction of the large columella defect with Сchmid-Мeyer flap

Introduction: Reconstruction of columella defects is still regarded a challenging procedure, due to very specific anatomy of columella and limited local and regional flap options. Furthermore, a texture and color of columella tissue pose difficulties in choosing right method of reconstruction. Case report: Authors present a patient who underwent reconstruction of complex columella defect using Schmid-Meyer flap. Schmid-Meyer flap represents a tubular flap with an internal supraciliary pedicle which allows the transposition of the temporal skin with the addition of ear cartilage on the tip of the nose or the ala nasi. The integration of the flap was complete. During five-year follow-up period, the cosmetic and functional results were satisfying. Conclusion. Schmid-Meyer flap may be one of the best options for reconstruction of complex defect of columella.

Internal jugular vein rupture after oncologic resections in the head and neck

Background Internal jugular vein (IJV) blowout after major oncologic resections in the head and neck is a rare fatal yet preventable complication. The condition is unregistered sufficiently in the literature. Results The records of patients who underwent oncologic neck surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The study included records between January 2014 and November 2019 at Kasr Al Ainy Educational Hospital. 275 patients underwent cervical ablative procedures. Ten patients developed IJV blowout. Six patients were saved. Four patients had diabetes mellitus with postoperative wound infection and dehiscence. Three patients were given primary radiotherapy; two of them developed flap necrosis. Eight patients acquired pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Regional flap coverage was done in three patients. Sentinel hemorrhage occurred in all patients. Conclusions IJV blowout is a rare potentially life-threatening complication usually preceded by sentinel hemorrhage. The condition is essentially preventable by the prompt and structured response.