Soft-tissue flap coverage maximizes limb salvage after allograft bone extremity reconstruction

Limb salvage after extremity tumor ablation may include the use of allograft bone. The primary complication of this method is infection of the allograft, which can lead to limb loss in up to 50 percent of cases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of primary muscle flap coverage in the setting of allograft bone limb salvage surgery. This study is a prospective review of all patients with flap coverage of extremity allografts over the 10-year period 1991 to 2001. There were 20 patients (11 male and nine female patients) with an average age of 28 years (range, 6 to 72 years). Flap coverage was primary in 16 patients and delayed in four. Delayed coverage was performed for failed wounds that did not have a primary soft-tissue flap. Pathologic findings included osteosarcoma in nine patients, Ewing sarcoma in five patients, malignant fibrohistiocytoma in two patients, chondrosarcoma in two patients, synovial sarcoma in one patient, and leiomyosarcoma in one patient. Allograft reconstruction was performed for the upper extremity in 12 patients and for the lower extremity in eight patients. Flap reconstruction was accomplished with 20 pedicle flaps in 17 patients (latissimus dorsi, 12; gastrocnemius, four; soleus, three; and fasciocutaneous flap, one) and four free flaps (rectus abdominis, three; latissimus dorsi, one) in four patients. All pedicled flaps survived. There was one flap failure in the entire series, which was a free rectus abdominis flap. This case resulted in the only limb loss noted. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 50 months (average, 12.35 months). At the time of final follow-up, three patients were dead of disease and 17 were alive with intact extremities. The overall limb salvage rate in the setting of bone allograft and soft-tissue flap coverage was 95 percent (19 of 20). Reoperation for bone-related complications was required in 50 percent (two of four) of cases receiving delayed flap coverage compared with 19 percent (three of 16) of patients with primary flap coverage (statistically not significant). The results of this study support the use of soft-tissue flap coverage for allograft limb reconstruction. In this series, no limb was lost in the setting of a viable flap. Reoperation was markedly reduced in the setting of primary flap coverage. Pedicled or microvascular transfer of well-vascularized muscle can be used to wrap the allograft and minimize devastating wound complications potentially leading to loss of allograft and limb.     

富血小板纤维蛋白膜片修复上颌窦瘘的临床研究

目的:观察自体富血小板纤维蛋白(Platelet-rich fibrin,PRF)膜片修补口腔上颌窦瘘的临床疗效。方法:选取解放军第425医院疗养区眼耳鼻喉科2010年4月到2013年4月间24例上颌窦瘘患者,采用随机分组,其中A组12例患者各采静脉血20 mL制备PRF膜片修补上颌窦瘘,另外B组12例患者采用组织瓣法修补上颌窦瘘,比较两组患者的伤口一期愈合成功率以及6-12月后随访预后并进行统计学分析。结果:PRF膜片修补组手术均获得成功,而组织瓣修补组中采用带蒂颚粘膜瓣有1例失败,两组间一期愈合成功率无显著差异(P=0.755),随访发现颊侧黏骨膜瓣修补的患者术后口腔前庭沟均有不同程度变浅,而其它修补方法术后前庭沟无明显异常。结论:自体PRF膜片制备简单,用其修补上颌窦瘘效果确切,手术简单,并发症少,可应用于临床实践。     

三种不同皮瓣修复口腔颌面组织缺损的临床效果

目的:探讨三种皮瓣在口腔面部组织缺损修复中的临床效果。方法:以2014年1月到2014年12月在我院皮瓣修复口腔面部组织缺损患者64例为研究对象。胸大肌皮瓣26例,前臂皮瓣22例,股前外侧皮瓣16例。术后3~12月对患者临床疗效进行观察评价。结果:患者均采用胸大肌皮瓣、股前外侧皮瓣和前臂皮瓣进行口腔面部组织缺损的修复,不同皮瓣来源数量组间比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。患者术后均治愈,移植成功率100%,组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。少数患者发生积血、感染不良反应情况,总不良反应发生率为12.5%,不同组间的不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:三种不同的皮瓣修复口腔面部组织缺损临床效果均较好,皮瓣的选择较广泛,显著改善了患者口腔生理功能,提高了患者的生活质量,临床推广使用价值高。     

Delay in unipedicled TRAM flap reconstruction of the breast: a review of 76 consecutive cases

Since its introduction in 1982, the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has become the standard therapy in autogenous breast reconstruction. A lower rate of partial flap (fat) necrosis is associated with microvascular free-flap transfer compared with the conventional (unipedicled) TRAM flap because of its potentially improved blood supply. A TRAM flap delay before flap transfer has been advocated, especially in a high-risk patient population (obesity, history of cigarette smoking, radiation therapy, or abdominal scar). The authors reviewed a series of 76 consecutive delayed unipedicled TRAM flap breast reconstructions during a 5-year period. Data were analyzed with respect to type of procedure and time of delay, overall outcome, general surgical complications, flap-related (specific) complications (partial or complete flap loss), and patient satisfaction. Seventy-six unilateral breast reconstructions using the unipedicled TRAM flap were performed between 1995 and 2000 in 76 patients (mean age, 47.4 years). Fifty-four flaps were performed as immediate reconstructions, and 22 as secondary procedures. Seventy-two flaps were based on the contralateral pedicle, and four flaps were based on an ipsilateral pedicle. In all cases, a flap delay consisted of ligature of both deep inferior epigastric arteries and veins, accessed from an inferior flap incision down to the fascia, with a mean of 13.9 days before the flap transfer. No acute flap take-back procedure had to be performed. There was no complete flap loss, and breast reconstruction was achieved in all cases. In five cases (6.6 percent), a partial (fat) flap necrosis occurred. Interestingly, the majority of these cases (four of five) were secondary breast reconstructions. In addition, of the five patients who had partial flap necrosis, four had a history of smoking, two received radiation therapy, three received chemotherapy, and three patients were obese (body mass index greater than or equal to 30) or overweight (body mass index greater than or equal to 25). In three cases, an early surgical complication (two wound infections at the flap interface and one at the donor site) occurred. One patient developed a deep vein thrombosis. Five patients developed secondary ventral hernias necessitating repair (6.6 percent). Forty-one patients underwent secondary nipple-areola reconstruction. In 19 patients of this group, a secondary procedure (e.g., scar revision, limited liposuction, and/or excision of contour deformities) was simultaneously performed. A survey of patient satisfaction was performed using a modified SF-36 questionnaire. Fifty-one patients participated (67 percent). The overall satisfaction was very high and 51 patients reported that they would recommend the procedure to others (100 percent). Multiple factors such as patient selection, surgical expertise, and preoperative and postoperative management contribute to the success of any type of autogenous breast reconstruction. However, rare partial and absent complete flap necrosis in the authors' series may be attributable to the flap delay. A low morbidity rate and short hospital stay may become increasingly relevant, with limited structural and financial resources in the future. Therefore, the delayed unipedicled TRAM flap should be regarded as a valuable option in attempted breast reconstruction using autogenous tissue in both a high-risk and the general patient population.     

游离股前外侧皮瓣修复对急诊肢体复合组织缺损患者近期和远期预后的影响

摘要 目的：探讨与分析游离股前外侧皮瓣修复对急诊肢体复合组织缺损患者近期和远期预后的影响。方法：2015年4月到2021年9月选择在本院急诊的下肢复合组织缺损患者66例作为研究对象,根据1:1随机分配原则把患者分为研究组与对照组各33例。研究组给予游离股前外侧皮瓣修复治疗,对照组给予下肢外侧皮瓣修复治疗,观察与随访患者的近期和远期预后情况。结果：所有患者都顺利完成急诊修复治疗,所有皮瓣都创面都Ⅰ期愈合,研究组的术后住院时间、术后换药次数、术后上皮组织完全覆盖创面时间、术后创面愈合时间少于对照组（P<0.05）。研究组术后3个月的皮瓣血供优良率为100.0 %,高于对照组的84.8 %（P<0.05）。研究组术后3个月的血肿、伤口感染、血管危象、骨髓炎等并发症发生率为3.0 %,低于对照组的27.3 %（P<0.05）。研究组术后12个月的皮瓣保护性感觉率为100.0 %,高于对照组的78.8 %（P<0.05）。结论：游离股前外侧皮瓣修复在急诊肢体复合组织缺损患者的应用能促进患者康复,提高皮瓣血供优良率,还可减少并发症的发生,改善患者远期的皮瓣保护性感觉状况。     

Expanded Flap to Repair Facial Scar Left by Radiotherapy of Hemangioma

This study explored the feasibility and clinical efficacy of expanded flap to repair facial scar left by radiotherapy of hemangioma. From March 2000 to April 2011, 13 cases of facial cicatrices left by radiotherapy of hemangioma have been treated with implantation surgery of facial skin dilator under local anesthesia. After water flood expansion for 1–2 months, resection of facial scar was performed, and wound repairing with expansion flap transfer was done. Thirteen patients were followed up from 5 months to 3 years. All patients tolerated flap transfer well; no contracture occurred during the facial expansion flap transfer. The incision scar was not obvious, and its color and texture were identical to surrounding skin. In conclusion, the use of expanded flap transfer to repair the facial scar left by radiotherapy of hemangioma is advantageous due to its simplicity, flexibility, and large area of repairing. This method does not affect the subsequent facial appearance.     

Usefulness of a first transferred free flap vascular pedicle for secondary microvascular reconstruction in the head and neck

The authors found that a previously transferred free flap vascular pedicle, distal to the first microvascular anastomosis, can be used as a recipient vessel for an additional free flap transfer. Free flap transfers were performed by using the standard procedure in patients with head and neck cancer. The mean age of the patients was 62 years. Five patients were men and three were women. A second free flap was transferred for secondary primary head and neck cancer in two cases, facial deformity in two cases, osteomyelitis of the skull in two cases, recurrent cancer in one case, and exposure of a mandibular reconstruction plate in one case. The interval between the two operations was from 4 months to 12 years (median, 21 months). All secondary free flaps were performed successfully. In two cases, the external jugular vein proximal to the previously anastomosed site was used for venous drainage. In another case, additional venous anastomosis was performed for flap congestion. It became clear that a previously transferred free flap vascular pedicle could be used as a recipient vessel for microvascular anastomosis. This is an excellent procedure for additional free flap transfers.     

Free dorsoulnar perforator flap transfers for the reconstruction of severely injured digits

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of transferring the free dorsoulnar perforator flap nourished by the cutaneous perforator branched dorsoulnar artery to reconstruct severely injured fingers under upper arm anesthesia. Between April of 2001 and April of 2002, 13 free dorsoulnar perforator flaps were used in 13 patients. There were 11 men and two women ranging in age from 18 to 64 years, with an average age of 38 years. The affected fingers were one thumb, four index fingers, five middle fingers, two ring fingers, and one little finger. All cases were performed under upper arm anesthesia combined with intravenous local anesthesia. The operative time ranged from 103 to 140 minutes, with an average time of 120 minutes. The flap size ranged from 1 x 3 to 3 x 4 cm, and was transferred from the same forearm of the injured finger. All donor sites were closed primarily without a skin graft. The aim of reconstruction for fingers was to repair a traumatic defect (five cases), partial necrosis following replantation (two cases), and soft-tissue defects resulting from resection of a scar (three cases) and to revascularize ischemic fingers (three cases). All flaps survived completely. After repair of the flow-through circulation of the common digital artery and ischemic finger, a postoperative angiogram showed the vascular patency and hypervascularity of the reconstructed fingers, and the patients' complaints were reduced. The free dorsoulnar perforator flap under regional anesthesia is first reported; it may become one valuable option as a very small flap for the treatment of repairing intercalated or segmental defects as a flow-through flap for soft-tissue defects and ischemic fingers.     

Comparison of strategies for preventing abdominal-wall weakness after TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

To determine the best method for preserving abdominal-wall integrity after TRAM flap breast reconstruction, the records of 130 patients followed for at least 6 months (mean 18 months) were examined. Three strategies for management of the abdominal-wall repair were compared. In the first group (72 patients), the entire width of the rectus abdominis muscle was harvested with the flap, and the anterior rectus sheath was closed in one layer. In the second group (20 patients), only the medial two-thirds of the rectus abdominis muscle was removed from the abdomen. The muscle and fascial donor defects were closed in separate layers. In the third group (38 patients), only one-fifth of the muscle was preserved, and a two-layered fascial closure of the anterior rectus sheath was performed, emphasizing repair of the internal oblique fascia to the midline fascia deep to the linea alba. Reinforcing synthetic mesh was used (in 10 patients) if closure was difficult or sutures tended to pull through the fascia. The incidence of abdominal weakness and/or bulging was similar in the first two groups (33 and 40 percent, respectively), but significantly lower (8 percent) in the third group (p = 0.006).     

吻合皮下静脉的带蒂皮瓣修复四肢皮肤软组织缺损的效果分析

摘要 目的：探讨与分析吻合皮下静脉的带蒂皮瓣修复四肢皮肤软组织缺损的效果。方法：选择2018年12月到2021年12月在本院创伤造成的四肢皮肤软组织缺损60例患者作为研究对象,将其随机分为吻合皮下静脉带蒂皮瓣组与传统带蒂皮瓣组各30例。吻合皮下静脉带蒂皮瓣组给予吻合皮下静脉的带蒂皮瓣修复治疗,传统带蒂皮瓣组给予常规直接覆盖创面修复治疗。结果：所有患者都顺利完成手术,吻合皮下静脉带蒂皮瓣组围手术指标时间均较传统带蒂皮瓣组少（P<0.05）。吻合皮下静脉带蒂皮瓣组术后3个月的总有效率为96.7 %,高于传统带蒂皮瓣组的76.7 %（P<0.05）。吻合皮下静脉带蒂皮瓣组术后3个月的并发症发生率较传统带蒂皮瓣组低（P<0.05）。吻合皮下静脉带蒂皮瓣组术后6个月的感觉功能恢复情况好于传统带蒂皮瓣组（P<0.05）。结论：吻合皮下静脉的带蒂皮瓣能促进患者的创面愈合,提高治疗效果,减少并发症,加快恢复患者的四肢皮肤软组织缺损。     

口腔颌面部肿瘤患者术后缺损的外侧皮瓣修复术与前臂皮瓣修复术对比研究

摘要 目的：探讨口腔颌面部肿瘤患者术后缺损的外侧皮瓣修复术与前臂皮瓣修复术对比。方法：选取遂宁市中心医院（我院）2015年8月到2020年8月共收治的120例口腔颌面部肿瘤患者,所有患者通过肿瘤切除术后均出现组织缺损现象,对所有组织缺损的患者依照不同的皮瓣修复方式分为两组,其中应用外侧皮瓣修复术的68例患者分为外侧皮瓣修复组,应用前臂皮瓣修复术的52例患者分为前臂皮瓣修复组,对比两组的皮瓣修复效果,治疗后的口腔功能恢复情况,瓣成活率、术后皮瓣危象率以及血管吻合时间,并发症情况。结果：外侧皮瓣修复组的总有效率为95.59 %,前臂皮瓣修复组的总有效率为84.62 %,外侧皮瓣修复组明显高于前臂皮瓣修复组（P＜0.05）;外侧皮瓣修复组患者的外形修复、语言功能、咀嚼功能、吞咽功能以及口腔闭合评分明显高于前臂皮瓣修复组（P＜0.05）;两组的皮瓣成功率均比较高对比无明显差异（P＞0.05）,两组的术后皮瓣危象率比较低,对比无明显差异（P＞0.05）,血管吻合时间对比无明显差异（P＞0.05）;对比两组并发症发生情况发现,外侧皮瓣修复组的总并发症发生率为2.94 %,前臂皮瓣修复组并发症发生率为17.31 %,外侧皮瓣修复组明显低于前臂皮瓣修复组（P＜0.05）。结论：对口腔颌面部肿瘤患者术后缺损患者应用外侧皮瓣修复术能够提升患者的皮瓣修复效果,提升患者的口腔功能恢复情况,减少并发症的发生,安全性好,值得临床应用推广。     

Hair-bearing submental artery island flap for reconstruction of mustache and beard

Loss of mustache and beard in the adult male caused by severe burn, trauma, or tumor resection may cause cosmetic and psychological problems for these patients. Reconstruction of the elements of the face presents difficult and often daunting problems for plastic surgeons. The tissue that will be used for this purpose should have the same characteristics as the facial area, consisting of thin, pliable, hair-bearing tissue with a good color match. There is a very limited amount of donor area that has these characteristics. A hair-bearing submental island flap was used successfully for mustache and beard reconstruction in 11 male patients during the last 5 years. The scar was on the mentum in four cases, right cheek in two cases, right half of the upper lip in two cases, left cheek in one case, left half of the upper lip in one case, and both sides of the upper lip in one case. The submental island flap is supplied by the submental artery, a branch of the facial artery. The maximum flap size was 13 x 6 cm and the minimum size was 6 x 3 cm (average, 10 x 4 cm) in this series. Direct closure was achieved at all donor sites. Patients were followed up for 6 months to 5 years. No major complication was noted other than one case of temporary palsy of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The mean postoperative stay was 7 days. Color and texture match were good. Hair growth on the flap was normal, and characteristics of the hair were the same as the intact side of the face in all patients. The submental island flap is safe, rapid, and simple to raise and leaves a well-hidden donor-site scar. The authors believe that the submental artery island flap surpasses the other flaps in reconstruction of the mustache and beard in male patients. Application of the technique and results are discussed in this article.     

改良带蒂胸大肌肌皮瓣修复口腔颌面肿瘤术后缺损的临床分析

目的:探讨只带血管蒂的改良胸大肌皮瓣转移修复口腔颌面部组织缺损的临床效果。方法:取胸大肌皮瓣时蒂部只保留血管,利用改良只带血管蒂的胸大肌皮瓣对6例不同口腔颌面部组织缺损进行修复,包括舌癌3例、舌咽癌1例、牙龈癌1例、颊癌1例。结果:术后皮瓣血供良好,完整成活,成活率100%;所有患者获得3~18个月随访,在随访期内均存活;重建的舌外形良好,虽然味觉功能无法恢复,运动功能随切除范围增加而降低,但均能满足发音、吞咽和咀嚼功能需要。结论:只带血管蒂的改良胸大肌皮瓣是修复口腔颌面部组织缺损有效而可靠的方法,为恶性肿瘤根治术后造成的缺损提供了有力修复保障。     

股前外侧穿支皮瓣与胸腹带蒂皮瓣对手外伤组织缺损修复的应用效果及对创面愈合程度的影响

摘要 目的：探讨股前外侧穿支皮瓣与胸腹带蒂皮瓣对手外伤组织缺损修复的应用效果及对创面愈合程度的影响。方法：选取我院2018年12月到2020年12月共收治的119例手外伤组织缺损患者作为研究对象,随机分为2组,分别为对照组（n=59,应用胸腹带蒂皮瓣修复术）和观察组（n=60,应用股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复术）。对比两组患者治疗优良率,对比两组患者治疗前后手部创面面积、创面愈合程度以及组织愈合时间,对比两组患者治疗后的Jamar握力、TAM和DASH评分情况,对比两组患者的皮瓣成活率、皮瓣危象率和血管吻合时间。结果：通过对比两组患者治疗优良率发现,观察组患者优的人数为21例、良为35例,优良率为93.33%,对照组患者优的人数为16例,良为30例,优良率为77.97%,观察组高于对照组（P＜0.05）;治疗后,与对照组相比,观察组患者的手部创面面积、组织愈合时间和DASH评分显著减少,创面愈合程度以及TAM与Jamar握力显著增加（P＜0.05）;通过对比两组患者的皮瓣成活率、术后皮瓣危象率以及血管吻合时间发现,两组患者的术后皮瓣危象率、血管吻合时间对比无明显差异（P＞0.05）,两组患者的术后皮瓣成活率对比差异显著,观察组明显高于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论：对手外伤组织缺损患者应用股前外侧穿支皮瓣与胸腹带蒂皮瓣修复术均具有明显的修复效果,但是应用股前外侧穿支皮瓣能够提升治疗效果,提升患者创面愈合程度减少愈合时间,提升患者手部运动情况,提升术后皮瓣成活率,值得临床应用推广。     

带腓肠腱膜的腓肠神经营养皮瓣修复KuwadeⅣ型跟腱缺损

目的:回顾性分析带腓肠肌腱膜的腓肠神经营养皮瓣修复KuwadeⅣ型跟腱缺损的临床病例,探讨其手术注意事项及治疗经验。方法:总结2008年5月-2013年8月收治的KuwadeⅣ型跟腱缺损19例,应用带腓肠肌腱膜的腓肠神经营养皮瓣进行一期修复。7例为新鲜损伤,12例为陈旧性缺损。19例跟腱缺损均伴有皮肤及软组织坏死,皮肤缺损范围为4.0 cm×6.0 cm-6.0cm×12.0 cm,跟腱缺损长度为5-9 cm,术中皮瓣切取范围为6.0 cm×5.5 cm-12.0 cm×8.0cm,腓肠腱膜切取范围5.5 cm×6.0cm-10.0 cm×6.0 cm;供区游离植皮修复。客观性评价指标包括关节跖屈、背伸动度及形态学,主观性评价采用AOFAS评分。结果:术后17例跟腱功能重建良好,2例感染控制不良,跟腱移植体部分坏死。皮瓣完全成活13例,创面Ⅰ期愈合。2例术后6天皮瓣远端表皮坏死,经换药后愈合。2例术后10天皮瓣远端部分坏死,经局部皮瓣移位修复愈合,2例感染控制不良者,皮瓣未愈合,移植跟腱部分坏死,经再次清创后,行阔筋膜条修复术,局部皮瓣移位修复。术后19例均获随访,随访时间6~24个月,平均18个月。术后皮瓣略臃肿,但不影响穿鞋,行走功能恢复良好,术后1年AOFAS评分平均80.31分。结论:带腓肠肌腱膜的腓肠神经营养皮瓣用于治疗KuwadeⅣ型跟腱缺损,可以同时修复皮肤及跟腱缺损,是一种较为理想的一期修复方法。     

Bilateral autogenous breast reconstruction using perforator free flaps: a single center's experience

The authors present a single center's experience in bilateral breast reconstruction using perforator free flaps. The aim of this study was to show their indications, surgical technique, and results. A series of 53 patients underwent this procedure between February of 1996 and October of 2002. The surgical procedures were performed on patients with bilateral breast cancer (11 patients), patients with unilateral breast cancer and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (22 patients), patients who had undergone bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (18 patients), a patient with Poland's syndrome, and a patient whose aesthetic breast augmentation had failed. Primary and secondary bilateral breast reconstructions were done in 18 and four patients, respectively. Eighteen patients who had earlier undergone breast reconstruction with implants had a tertiary breast reconstruction. Combined reconstruction (primary with secondary and primary with tertiary reconstruction) was done in 13 patients. Ninety-eight deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps and eight superior gluteal artery perforator flaps were used. The average operative time was 10 hours (range, 8 to 14.5 hours) for the simultaneous bilateral reconstruction. Total flap necrosis occurred in two cases (one deep inferior epigastric perforator flap and one superior gluteal artery perforator flap). Partial flap necrosis was not encountered, and fat necrosis was found in one deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (1 percent). Two pulmonary infections, one deep vein thrombosis, and one cardiac arrhythmia occurred as postoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was 9 days (range, 6 to 20 days). Abdominal bulging was reported in one patient. There were no recurrent disease or cancer manifestations, with an average follow-up of 3.5 years. This series clearly shows that perforator flaps are reliable and useful tools for bilateral breast reconstruction. This technique decreases the donor-site morbidity and offers an excellent aesthetic and long-term outcome and high patient satisfaction.     

Free flap reconstruction of the sole of the foot with or without sensory nerve coaptation

The authors present a retrospective study on major plantar foot reconstruction to evaluate the role of the free fasciocutaneous flap and the importance of sensory nerve reconstruction in improving long-term results. Between 1995 and 1999, 20 patients with major defects of the sole of the foot underwent free forearm flap reconstruction performed by the senior author (F.S.). Sensory nerve reconstruction was added to this technique in 1997. The age and sex of the patients and the cause, location, and dimensions of their defects were recorded. The patients were clinically and neurophysiologically evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure for the following parameters: flap contour, flap stability, load capacity, walking ability, touch sensation, pain sensation, static two-point discrimination, and thermal sensibility. Dermatomic somatosensory-evoked potentials were also tested at 12 months. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to sensory nerve reconstruction. Group A consisted of 11 patients with nerve repair, and group B consisted of nine patients without nerve repair. One patient from group A who had an idiopathic neuropathy was excluded from the study because of interference with the reinnervation process. Five more patients (three from group A and two from group B) were lost at follow-up and excluded from the study. The final sample size in each group was seven. Data from both groups were compared and statistically analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test and the Fisher exact test. Long-term results confirmed in all reconstructions long-lasting stability. During the first postoperative year, patients with sensory nerve reconstruction showed better sensibility. The statistical analyses confirmed significant differences between the two groups to be dependent upon surgical technique at 3 and 6 months. Two-point discrimination and dermatomic somatosensory-evoked potentials were recorded. After 12 months, flaps without surgical nerve repair showed progressive improvement of sensitive thresholds, achieving a good protective sensibility, similar to that of the other group, but these flaps never regained two-point discrimination or dermatomic somatosensory-evoked potentials.     

Management of secondary soft-tissue deficits following microsurgical head and neck reconstruction by means of another free flap

Secondary soft-tissue deficits may develop following a microsurgical reconstruction in the head and neck region because of inadequate planning or chronic effects of radiotherapy. Although most cases could be managed with alternative methods, free flaps might be necessary in difficult cases. Herein are described 11 cases of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction in which secondary soft-tissue deficits required transfer of another soft-tissue free flap. All patients had malignant tumors treated with surgical resection, and their defects were reconstructed with free flaps. Seven patients received either preoperative or postoperative adjunctive radiotherapy. These patients gradually developed signs and symptoms of soft-tissue deficiency in the reconstructed area, and a soft-tissue free flap transfer was required for treatment within an average of 21.5 months of their initial reconstruction. Five rectus abdominis, one rectus femoris, one latissimus dorsi, one tensor fasciae latae myocutaneous, one radial forearm, one medial arm, and one dorsalis pedis flap were used for this purpose. All flaps survived completely. The average follow-up time was 32 months. Significant improvement was achieved in all cases, and no further major surgical procedures were required. Secondary soft-tissue deficits that could not be predicted or prevented during the initial microsurgical reconstruction may be treated successfully by a subsequent free soft-tissue transfer in selected cases.     

Long-term results following the repair of palatal clefts: a comparison of three different techniques

A series of 109 patients was divided according to type of palatal defect, technique of repair (pushback, von Langenbeck, or pushback with island flap), results of standardized multifactorial speech analyses, and effectiveness of primary and secondary operations. Sixty-five patients (60 percent) showed improved speech after the initial repair, with 49 of these rated as "good." Forty-five percent improved after the von Langenbeck operation, 57 percent improved after the pushback procedure, and 53 percent improved after the pushback/island flap repair. Persistent hypernasal speech was treated with superiorly based pharyngeal flaps in 18 patients with uniform success (p less than or equal to 0.001). The worst results (after all three techniques) followed the repair of bilateral complete clefts. This experience has tempered our expectations in dealing with cleft palate patients, especially those having bilateral defects.     

游离皮瓣在晚期颅底肿瘤术后组织缺损中应用效果分析

目的:探讨使用游离皮瓣修复晚期颅底肿瘤术后缺损组织的效果及适应症。方法:选择2009年1月至2013年9月在我院行晚期颅底肿瘤术并且需要进行组织修复的病患74例作为研究对象。根据病患选择的修复方式分为观察组和对照组各37例。观察组采用游离皮瓣,而对照组使用钛网修复。观察两组相应指标,比较不同修复材料的修复效果。结果:观察组手术效果显效率和总有效率为40.54%(15/37)、97.30%(36/37),显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组在术中出血量、手术时间以及术后愈合时间等方面均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组术后出现颅内感染、脑脊液漏和皮瓣坏死比率为8.11%(3/37)、0(0/37)和2.70%(1/37)都少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:采用前臂皮瓣进行晚期颅底肿瘤术后缺损组织修复效果更好,皮瓣存活率更高。比传统钛网修复引起的并发症更少,值得临床推荐使用。