Peter C. Revenaugh

Simultaneous Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Temporalis Tendon Transfer to Optimize Facial Form and Function After Radical Parotidectomy

Background Extirpation of aggressive parotid or cutaneous facial tumors often involves facial nerve sacrifice and the creation of a large soft-tissue defect. We describe a method for single-stage reconstruction during radical parotidectomy to restore facial form and function without additional morbidity. Methods We conducted a review of immediate reconstruction/reanimation of radical parotidectomy defects with the use of anterolateral thigh (ALT) fat and fascia flaps for facial contouring, orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer (OTTT), cable grafting of the facial nerve, and fascia lata lower lip suspension. Results Five patients (mean age, 67.4 years) underwent extirpation of malignant tumors with facial nerve sacrifice resulting in large soft-tissue deficits. All patients had ALT free tissue transfer to correct facial contour defects and OTTT to restore facial form and function. Four patients underwent cable grafting of facial nerve branches. Branches of the motor nerve to the vastus lateralis harvested from the ALT surgical site were used for cable nerve grafting in 3 patients. Fascia lata from the same ALT harvest site was used for lower lip suspension to the OTTT in 4 patients. There were no donor site complications. All patients achieved midfacial symmetry at rest, oral competence with dynamic corner-of-mouth movement, and full eye closure. Conclusions Tumor clearance, symmetric facial appearance, as well as dynamic facial rehabilitation were accomplished in a single-stage procedure using the method described herein. The ALT free flap provides versatile options for soft-tissue defects as well as access to motor nerves optimal for grafting without additional morbidity. Patients undergoing extirpation of malignant tumors requiring facial nerve sacrifice can undergo immediate free tissue contour reconstruction and facial reanimation procedures with no additional morbidity.

Minimally invasive endoscopic resection of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma

PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to review a single-institution experience with endoscopic resection of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen patients underwent treatment of SNUC between January 2002 and July 2009. Retrospective data were collected including demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical strategy, adjuvant therapies, local and regional recurrence, distant metastasis, overall survival, and disease-free survival. RESULTS The mean age was 51.8 years. The most common tumor stage at presentation was T4 (92%). Seven patients (53%) were treated with minimally invasive endoscopic resection (MIER) with negative intraoperative margins. Endoscopic anterior skull base resection was performed in 5 patients, and endoscopic-assisted bifrontal craniotomy was performed in 1 patient to clear the superior tumor margin. Six patients received pre- or postoperative chemoradiation. One patient underwent palliative chemoradiation, and one patient underwent open craniofacial resection. In the MIER group, simultaneous local and regional recurrence was observed in 1 patient (14%) after 30 months. Distant metastases were observed in 2 other patients (28%) without local or regional recurrence. All 3 patients with recurrences died of their disease. The remaining 4 patients were clinically, endoscopically, and radiographically free of disease, resulting in overall and disease-free survival rates of 57% with mean follow-up of 32.3 months. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest a potential role for MIER in the comprehensive management algorithm of SNUC in appropriately selected patients. Patient outcomes including local and regional recurrence, distant metastases, and overall and disease-free survival were comparable to a treatment strategy using traditional craniofacial resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.

Development of a Quality Care Plan to Reduce Otolaryngologic Readmissions Early Lessons from the Cleveland Clinic

Objectives Hospital readmissions are an important focus of national quality and cost containment efforts. With increased emphasis on the impact of unplanned readmissions, it is critical to evaluate factors contributing to readmission rates and optimize strategies aimed at reducing these rates. The objectives of this study were to discuss quality interventions implemented at our institution and to evaluate their impact on reducing readmissions. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Academic tertiary care medical center. Methods Medical records of patients who were admitted to an otolaryngology inpatient service and readmitted within 30 days of discharge between January 2010 and December 2012 were reviewed. A quality care plan (QCP) was developed, and various interventions were implemented during this time to affect these rates. Results There were 769, 816, and 798 admissions during the years 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. The number of readmissions during this time were 50 (6.5%), 51 (6.3%), and 28 (3.5%), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in case mix index, demographics, and subsequent length of stay for those patients requiring readmission. The reduction in number of readmissions in 2012, after the institution of our QCP, was statistically significant (P < .05). Conclusion Readmission within 30 days in a large otolaryngology practice can be multifactorial. To reduce rates of readmission, it is essential to understand the diagnoses, postoperative complications, and comorbidities contributing to readmission. Implementation of a QCP composed of comprehensive discharge planning and close postdischarge follow-up can lead to a reduction in readmissions.

Short‐term donor site morbidity: A comparison of the anterolateral thigh and radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flaps

Donor site morbidity is an important consideration in the overall decision‐making algorithm for fasciocutaneous free flap reconstruction of the head and neck.

Voice outcomes following reconstruction of laryngopharyngectomy defects using the radial forearm free flap and the anterolateral thigh free flap

Patients undergoing laryngopharyngectomy with extensive pharyngeal mucosal resection or those failing chemoradiation protocols are commonly reconstructed using free tissue transfer. Radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs) and anterolateral thigh free flaps (ALTs) are two of the most commonly used free flaps for laryngopharyngectomy reconstruction. It has been suggested that alaryngeal tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) speech outcomes in patients undergoing ALT reconstruction may be inferior due to the possibly bulkier neopharynx. We report the results of patients treated with ALT and RFFF with regard to postoperative TEP voice outcomes.

Free Anterolateral Thigh Fascia Lata Flap for Complex Nasal Lining Defects

OBJECTIVE To introduce a novel technique for the reconstruction of complex nasal lining defects using the free vascularized anterolateral thigh fascia lata flap. METHODS Free anterolateral thigh fascia lata flaps were used to replace nasal lining in 5 patients with total or subtotal rhinectomy defects. We performed a retrospective medical record review. RESULTS No flap failure or lining loss was observed, and harvest site morbidity was negligible. Patients achieved satisfactory nasal form and patent nasal airways without a need for repeated revisions. In 2 patients, the anterolateral thigh flap was used simultaneously to restore the midface contour or to repair anterior skull base defects. CONCLUSIONS In this case series, we demonstrate the novel use of vascularized fascia lata to provide viable nasal lining in total and subtotal nasal defect reconstruction. Potential advantages offered by this technique compared with more established methods include (1) single-stage replacement of nasal lining, structure, and skin coverage; (2) fewer additional stages of reconstruction to achieve functional and aesthetic results; (3) thin lining to allow for optimal airway contour; (4) less harvest site morbidity; and (5) development of composite soft tissue, cutaneous, and/or muscle flaps to repair adjacent defects.

Minimizing Morbidity in Microvascular Surgery: Small-Caliber Anastomotic Vessels and Minimal Access Approaches

IMPORTANCE Minimizing morbidity when performing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck is important in the overall reconstructive paradigm. OBJECTIVE To examine the indications and success rates of free tissue transfer using small-caliber facial recipient vessels and minimal access incisions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective medical record review of patients with head and neck defects undergoing free tissue transfer from May 2010 to June 2013 at 2 tertiary care academic medical centers. INTERVENTIONS Free tissue transfer using small-caliber recipient vessels and minimal access approaches. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Postoperative complications, including flap failure, requirement for revision surgery, and nerve dysfunction. RESULTS Eighty-nine flaps in 86 patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty flaps used the facial artery and vein distal to the facial notch, and 33 flaps used the superficial temporal vascular system. Six flaps used the angular artery and vein. A variety of flap donor sites were included. In most cases, free tissue transfer was indicated for the reconstruction of defects secondary to extirpation of malignant neoplasia. Overall success rate was 97.7% with 2 instances of total flap loss and 1 partial loss. One patient had transient nerve weakness (frontal branch), which resolved during a follow-up of 9 months. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Free tissue reconstruction of head and neck defects can be safely and reliably accomplished using small-caliber recipient vessels, such as the superficial temporal, distal facial, and angular vessels. Minimal access approaches for microvascular anastomosis may be performed with excellent cosmesis and minimal morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.

Anterolateral Thigh Adipofascial Flap in Mucosal Reconstruction

IMPORTANCE This study describes a reliable technique for mucosal reconstruction of large defects using components of a common free flap technique. OBJECTIVE To review the harvest technique and the varied scenarios in which the anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap (ALTAF) can be used for mucosal restoration in oral cavity and nasal reconstruction. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A retrospective review of the medical records of 51 consecutive patients was conducted. The patients had undergone ALTAF head and neck reconstruction between January 2009 and June 2013. Each case was reviewed, and flap survival and goal-oriented results were evaluated. RESULTS Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 60.6 years. Reconstruction sites included the tongue, palate, gingiva, floor of the mouth, and nasal mucosa. All mucosal reconstructions maintained function and form of replaced and preserved tissues. One patient (3%) experienced flap failure that was reconstructed with a contralateral adipofascial flap with excellent outcome. Three patients (10%) required minor flap revisions. There were no other complications. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The ALTAF is a versatile flap easily harvested for use in several types of mucosal reconstructions.

Suprastomal cutaneous monitoring paddle for free flap reconstruction of laryngopharyngectomy defects.

IMPORTANCE Method of direct clinical monitoring of tissue perfusion in free tissue reconstruction of pharyngeal defects. OBJECTIVE To describe a novel and effective method of incorporating a cutaneous skin paddle into laryngopharyngectomy reconstruction for direct clinical monitoring of anterolateral thigh free flaps. DESIGN Retrospective review of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction for laryngopharyngectomy defects performed between August 1, 2008, and March 1, 2011, using the anterolateral thigh flap. SETTING Tertiary care academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive patients undergoing laryngopharyngectomy where free tissue transfer is indicated. INTERVENTIONS Anterolateral thigh free flap reconstruction with suprastomal cutaneous monitoring paddle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative complications, including flap failure, fistula, and stricture. Postoperative functional outcomes of swallowing and vocal capability were also measured. RESULTS Twenty-one patients (mean age, 62.2 years; range, 39-81 years) underwent total laryngectomy with near-total or total pharyngectomy and immediate reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh free flap. The reconstructions included a cutaneous monitor paddle distal to the pharyngoesophageal anastomosis. Twenty patients were treated for squamous cell carcinoma and received either adjuvant or neoadjuvant radiation therapy. There were no partial or total flap losses. A late pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred at 6 weeks in 1 patient (5%), requiring exploration, and anastomotic stricture occurred in 4 patients (19%). All patients except 1 were able to swallow solid foods at a mean follow-up of 11.1 months. Nineteen patients (90%) underwent tracheoesophageal puncture and attained an intelligible voice. One patient (5%) had stomal stenosis requiring surgical management. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The suprastomal cutaneous monitoring paddle enables direct monitoring of an otherwise buried reconstructive flap. This method allows direct clinical observation for microvascular compromise without a need for further procedures and without any increase in morbidity or compromise of speech and swallow functions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.

Facial Nerve Neurorrhaphy and the Effects of Glucocorticoids in a Rat Model

Objective After nerve injury, an exaggerated neuroinflammatory process may hinder neuron regeneration and recovery. Immunomodulation using glucocorticoids may therefore improve facial nerve injury outcomes. This study aims to examine the effect of both local and systemic dexamethasone administration on facial nerve functional recovery after axotomy in a rat model. Study Design Randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded animal study. Setting Animal laboratory. Subjects and Methods Seventy-four Wistar rats underwent facial nerve axotomy with immediate neurorrhaphy. Rats were randomly assigned a postoperative group: control (no therapy); systemic dexamethasone 0.5, 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg for 3 administrations; or topically applied dexamethasone at 2 or 4 mg/mL. Blinded, standardized facial assessments and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed. Gross facial motion assessments were corroborated with vibrissae frequency video analysis. Results At 8 weeks, rats receiving systemic dexamethasone at 5 mg/kg attained greater eye blink closure (P = .004) and vibrissae motion (P = .012) compared with controls. Systemic dexamethasone at 0.5, 1, and 10 mg/kg and intraoperative topical application of dexamethasone at 2 or 4 mg/mL did not produce a significant improvement in facial motion compared with controls. Nerve conduction studies show a trend of increased return of compound muscle action potential amplitude levels compared with baseline among rats that received systemic dexamethasone 5 mg/kg but do not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion In a rat facial nerve axotomy model, high-dose systemic dexamethasone therapy may improve functional recovery when administered in the immediate period following neurorrhaphy.