Use of osteomuscular free flaps after extended maxillectomy and craniofacial resection. About two cases.

A composite free flap with the lower part of the scapula and the serratus muscle has been used in two clinical cases for reconstruction after extensive maxillectomy and craniofacial resection. The palatal defect was reconstructed with the lower part of the scapular bone and the bone and the serratus muscle was used to restore facial contour. This type of osteomuscular free flap based on the thoracodorsal artery and veins provides a one-stage reconstruction of complex facial defects, including bone and soft tissue. The main advantages of this flap are the configuration of its bony component that closely matches the hard palate and its versatility that allows other regional flaps such as the latissimus dorsi and/or the serratus to be raised on the same vascular pedicle.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Free and pedicled flaps for head and neck reconstruction in radically irradiated fields: 6 years' experience at the Jules Bordet Institute.

From 1982 to 1988, 127 flaps were performed after ablative surgery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: 86 pedicled pectoralis major island and 41 free flaps of different types. One hundred and four were evaluable for this retrospective study: 66 after definitive radiotherapy (6000-8000 cGy) and surgery for recurrent or persistent disease and 38 after elective surgery for Stage III and IV tumors without previous irradiation. Wound healing, hospital stay, survival rate and complications are compared between irradiated and nonirradiated areas. The indications, advantages and disadvantages of each type of flap are reviewed according to the main goals of our treatment: i.e. local disease control, restoration of function, cosmetic appearance and short hospital stay.Journal Articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Vertical hemipharyngolaryngectomy: reconstruction with the radial forearm free flap.

A considerable body of literature defines techniques to restore glottic function after partial laryngectomy. The authors of this paper describe a new original technique for glottic and hypopharyngeal reconstruction after vertical hemipharyngolaryngectomy. Using a radial forearm free flap including the tendon of the palmaris longus and a sensitive branch of the radial nerve, they were able to reconstruct the missing vocal cord and a pyriform fossa. This procedure permits an extended resection without the usual phonatory or swallowing inconveniences. There is no contraindication for postoperative radiotherapy. The technique and preliminary functional results are reported.Journal Articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe