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Importance: Melanoma arising in chronically photodamaged skin, especially on the head and neck, is often characterized by poorly defined clinical margins and unpredictable occult extension. Staged excision techniques have been described to treat these challenging melanomas., Objective: To investigate the local recurrence rates and margin to clearance end points using staged excision with comprehensive hematoxylin-eosin-stained permanent section margin control., Design, Setting, and Participants: In this observational cohort study performed from October 8, 1997, to December 31, 2006, with a median follow-up of 9.3 years, 806 patients with melanoma on the head and neck, where clinical occult extension is common, were studied at an academic medical center., Interventions: Staged excision with comprehensive hematoxylin-eosin-stained permanent section margin control commonly known as the square technique., Main Outcomes and Measures: Local recurrence rates and margin to clearance end points., Results: A total of 806 patients (276 women [34.2%]; 805 white [99.9%]) with a median age at the time of first staged excision procedure of 65 years (range, 20-94 years) participated in the study. The estimated local recurrence rates were 1.4% at 5 years, 1.8% at 7.5 years, and 2.2% at 10 years. For each 50-mm2 increase in the size of the clinical lesion, there was a 9% increase in the rate of local recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.15; P = .02). The mean (SD) margin from lesion to clearance for melanoma in situ was 9.3 (5.1) mm compared with 13.7 (5.9) mm for invasive melanoma. For melanoma in situ, margins were clear after 5 mm or less in 232 excisions (41.1%) and after 10 mm or less in 420 excisions (74.5%). For invasive melanoma, margins were clear after 5 mm or less in 8 excisions (3.0%) and after 10 mm or less in 141 excisions (52.2%)., Conclusions and Relevance: Staged excision with comprehensive permanent section margin control of melanomas arising in chronically sun-damaged skin on the head and neck has favorable recurrence rates when melanoma margins are difficult to assess, and recurrence rates are high with traditional techniques.

Importance: Whether undergoing cervicofacial rhytidectomy after radiotherapy for tumors of the head and neck is associated with increased complication rates and therefore should be avoided remains unknown., Objective: To evaluate complication rates in patients who have undergone cervicofacial rhytidectomy after radiotherapy for head and neck tumors and compare these rates with those of patients who have not undergone radiotherapy., Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective review of the medical records of 16 patients who underwent cervicofacial rhytidectomy after completing radiotherapy for head and neck tumors and those of 16 age-matched control participants who did not undergo radiotherapy. Patients underwent treatment from July 1, 2006, through February 28, 2014, with final follow-up on February 28, 2014. Complications after surgery were reviewed and data for surgery type, technique, radiation dose and delivery method, and time to surgery after radiotherapy were analyzed. Data were collected from June 1 through December 31, 2013, and analyzed from January 1, 2014, through June 1, 2015., Main Outcomes and Measures: Rate of complications after surgery., Results: The radiotherapy and control group patients were a mean of 62 years old. In the radiotherapy group, 8 of 16 were women; 14 of 16 were women in the control group. Two major complications, 1 hematoma and 1 perioperative stroke, occurred in the 16 patients who composed the study cohort. In the control group, there was 1 case of transient facial nerve weakness and 1 case of cellulitis that was successfully treated with antibiotics. Two patients experienced wound dehiscence, and no incidents of motor or sensory nerve injury occurred. Subcutaneous face-lift (3 of 3 patients [100%] vs 1 of 13 patients [8%] who underwent superficial musculoaponeurotic system and deep-plane face-lifts; P = .02) and the addition of chemotherapy (4 of 9 patients [44%] vs 0 of 7 patients who did not receive chemotherapy; P = .04) were associated with increased complications. Being older and the time from completion of radiotherapy and surgery did not show any correlation to complications., Conclusions and Relevance: Aesthetic facial surgery after radiotherapy has an increased risk for complication compared with facial surgery without radiotherapy. The incidence of wound dehiscence is elevated in the population undergoing radiotherapy but can be managed conservatively in most cases. Patients who undergo radiotherapy must be counseled on the increased risk for complications before proceeding with cervicofacial rhytidectomy., Level of Evidence: 3.

Importance: The decision whether to discontinue antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications before a facial plastic surgical procedure is a complicated and multifactorial process that involves weighing the risk of perioperative thromboembolic complications with bleeding-related complications., Objective: To determine the complication rates in patients who undergo a range of facial plastic surgical procedures while receiving antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy., Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 9204 surgical procedures from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2012, at an academic medical center and its affiliated surgical sites were analyzed, with patients who continued receiving antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation (aspirin, clopidogrel bisulphate, and warfarin sodium) therapy during the perioperative period identified and compared with a matched case-control group of patients who did not receive antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy during this period., Interventions: Facial plastic surgery procedures and perioperative management., Main Outcome and Measures: Complication rates of wound healing (dehiscence or necrosis), infection, bleeding (hematoma or ecchymosis), and return to the operating room., Results: Patients who received aspirin therapy at the time of surgery were not more likely to have a complication compared with control patients (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.73 [0.45-1.17]). Patients who received warfarin had increased perioperative bleeding (odds ratio [95% CI], 3.80 [1.15-12.60]) and postoperative infections (odds ratio [95% CI], 7.29 [1.17-45.40]) compared with control patients. Serious complications (flap necrosis, dehiscence, or return to the operating room) were not increased with warfarin use., Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrates that patients who undergo facial plastic surgery may continue taking antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy during the perioperative period safely with minimal serious complications., Level of Evidence: 3.

Importance: The reconstruction of cutaneous defects of the cheek and lip is a foundational topic for facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Facial defects have a significant impact on patient quality of life that has been well demonstrated., Objective: To review new findings that have an impact on the planning and understanding of local flaps for the reconstruction of cutaneous defects of the cheek and upper lip; recent research in facial soft-tissue anatomy and vascular anatomy is integrated into a discussion of local flap reconstruction., Evidence Review: A Medline search of scientific literature was conducted, with an emphasis on 1980 to the present. Search terms included cheek; lip; reconstruction; vascular anatomy, soft-tissue anatomy, aging face, outcomes, and perforator flap. Cadaveric studies were specifically sought for anatomic review, and comparison group outcome studies are preferentially cited over clinical case series., Findings: Reconstruction of large medial defects of the cheek and upper lip is particularly challenging, and the V-Y subcutaneous tissue pedicle island advancement flap is valuable for repair of these defects. Outcomes analyses for local flap reconstruction are in high demand. Pedicled perforator flaps will likely see increased application for facial reconstruction in the near future., Conclusion and Relevance: Detailed knowledge of the soft-tissue anatomy of the cheek and lip is critical to accurate surgical planning in local flap reconstruction.

Importance: Understanding age-related changes is important when considering cartilage-based implants or grafts during rhinoplasty and nasal reconstructive surgery., Objective: To characterize the cellular and architectural changes in human nasal cartilage with aging., Design: Laboratory study., Participants: Nasal septal cartilage was harvested from 50 consecutive patients undergoing septoplasty, rhinoplasty, or septorhinoplasty., Intervention: Cartilage specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and safranin O for cartilage., Main Outcome Measures: A modified Mankin histologic grading scale was used to analyze each cartilage sample for H&E findings and safranin O staining. Higher H&E scores indicated more degenerative changes, while higher safranin O scores indicated reductions in proteoglycan content within the cartilage matrix, representing decreased active chondrocyte activity. Correlation between H&E and safranin O scores and patient age was determined., Results: There was positive correlation between safranin O staining scores and age, with higher scores seen with advancing age (P = .01). A linear regression best-fit equation was determined to calculate a potential safranin O staining score for a given age., Conclusions and Relevance: We have quantitatively determined that advancing age is positively correlated with reductions in cartilage proteoglycan content and active cartilage growth. This finding not only enhances our current understanding of the natural changes that occur in cartilage with aging but may also affect surgical decision making when cartilage grafting is considered during functional, reconstructive, and aesthetic rhinoplasty., Level of Evidence: NR.

Objective: To evaluate the aesthetic and functional outcomes of a full-thickness skin graft and a separately harvested auricular cartilage graft for nasal alar defects created by Mohs micrographic surgery., Design: Twenty patients with deep Mohs micrographic surgery defects of the nasal ala who underwent reconstruction with a full-thickness skin graft and an auricular cartilage graft were prospectively studied at a single tertiary care institution between 2010 and 2011 in a nonrandomized, nonblinded study. An ordinal 5-point Likert scale evaluation of overall outcomes was performed by 4 independent surgeon raters., Results: The mean outcome for use of the full-thickness skin and auricular cartilage graft construct was a score of 2.3 on a scale of 1 through 5, with 1 being excellent and 5 being poor. The mean duration of follow-up was 6 months, with a range of 5 weeks to 23 months. There were no clinically meaningful losses of constructs in the patients studied., Conclusion: A full-thickness skin graft and a separately harvested auricular cartilage graft are valuable and reliable tools for reconstructing deep nasal alar defects that require support to prevent alar retraction or collapse, particularly when a single-stage procedure is preferred or necessary because of medical comorbidities.

Objectives: To describe our technique of using septal bone grafts for correction and stabilization of caudal septal deviation and to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique in the treatment of the deviated caudal septum., Methods: A retrospective review of 81 patients who underwent open septorhinoplasty using septal bone grafts for correction of a caudal septal deviation or deformity and nasal obstruction. We reviewed medical records to determine postoperative outcomes in nasal obstruction and caudal septal position., Results: Of the 81 patients, we included 66 with adequate follow-up information in the analysis. Follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 72 (mean, 8) months. Postoperative examination revealed a midline septum in 55 of the 66 patients (83%). Fifty-seven patients (86%) reported resolution of nasal obstruction; 49 (74%) had a midline septum and resolved nasal obstruction at the longest follow-up. Nine patients (14%) reported postoperative nasal obstruction, of whom only 3 required revision surgery., Conclusion: Nasal septal bone grafts can be an effective tool in stabilizing severe cartilaginous deformities or deviations and correcting caudal septal deviation.

Numerous methods have been used for dorsal augmentation in reconstructive and aesthetic rhinoplasty. The Tasman technique is a method for dorsal augmentation using diced cartilage solidified by tissue sealant. This article describes the author's early experience using the Tasman technique and offers some helpful suggestions to surgeons who might wish to use this unique method of preparing a cartilaginous graft.

Objective: To characterize revision surgery following V-Y subcutaneous tissue pedicle advancement flap repair of large upper lip skin defects., Methods: Retrospective review of upper lip skin defects at least 3.0 cm(2) in area that were reconstructed with a V-Y subcutaneous tissue pedicle advancement flap at an academic tertiary care center. Depth and area of the defect, as well as involvement of the vermilion and nasal ala, were recorded as independent variables. Revision techniques were analyzed to identify patterns., Results: Thirty patients were identified as having upper lip skin defects with a mean (range) area of 7.0 (3.0-14.0) cm(2) (median, 6.25 cm(2)). The defect involved the nasal ala in 4 cases and the vermilion in 3 cases. At least 1 revision surgery was performed in 14 patients (47%). Alar or vermilion involvement was a significant factor in revision by χ(2) analysis (P = .03). Larger defect size did not predict a need for revision, even among cases where the defect did not involve the ala or vermilion (P = .68)., Conclusions: Reconstruction of large upper lip skin defects with a V-Y subcutaneous tissue pedicle advancement flap is associated with a 47% revision rate, and when the defect involves the ala or vermilion, the revision rate is increased. Defect size alone cannot be used to predict the need for revision surgery. Revision techniques are demonstrated., Competing Interests: The authors have no disclosures and have no commercial interests.

Objectives: To create an algorithm that derives our preferred reconstruction technique for cutaneous defects involving the nasal tip and to review the management and outcomes of patients with nasal tip cutaneous defects after their initial reconstruction., Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing repair of cutaneous defects involving the nasal tip between January 2006 and January 2009. After data compilation, a defect-based algorithm deriving our repair technique was created., Results: Seventy-two patients were identified: 57% underwent full-thickness skin graft repair (n = 41), 19% underwent forehead flap repair (n = 14), and 17% underwent bilobe flap repair (n = 12). The remaining 7% underwent repair using nasal cutaneous flaps harvested adjacent to the defect (n = 5). Nasal tip defect involvement of an adjacent nasal aesthetic unit was the most critical factor in selecting a reconstruction technique. Further categorization by the presence of nasal ala involvement, cartilage exposure, and defect surface area allowed reliable prediction of our reconstruction technique. Dermabrasion was routinely performed early in the postoperative course (25% [18 of 72 patients]). Corticosteroid injection was commonly used for those undergoing forehead flap (71% [10 of 14 patients]) and bilobe flap (50% [6 of 12 patients]) repair. Aesthetic revision surgery was infrequently required (15% [11 of 72 patients]). All aesthetic outcomes were good or satisfactory., Conclusion: The included algorithm offers a systematic approach for managing cutaneous defects involving the nasal tip and derives our preferred technique with high reliability.

Objective: To identify demographic and psychological factors that predict satisfaction or dissatisfaction with outcomes among patients undergoing facial plastic surgery., Methods: All patients presenting to the Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery at the University of Michigan between January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2008, were asked to participate. Patients answered an initial baseline survey consisting of demographic information and an assessment of their baseline level of optimism/pessimism in addition to a surgery-specific outcome questionnaire both preoperatively and 4 to 6 months postoperatively., Results: Fifty-one patients (mean [SD] age, 53 [13.0]; 69% female; 98% white) participated. Patients over the mean age of 53 years were more satisfied with their results than those under the mean age (P = .01). Patients currently being treated for depression were more satisfied with surgical outcomes than those not being treated (P = .05). No correlation was identified between baseline optimism/pessimism or other baseline factors and patients' perceived surgical outcomes. Surgeons were decidedly less positive in their assessment of the outcome than patients., Conclusion: Despite a priori hypotheses that patients treated for depression might be more pessimistic and rate their satisfaction lower than other patients, patients treated for depression show a trend toward greater satisfaction from facial plastic surgical procedures than those not treated for depression.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of, and the complications associated with, carbon dioxide laser treatment of rhytidosis and solar aging., Methods: This retrospective report describes our experience with 47 patients who underwent entire facial carbon dioxide laser resurfacing., Results: The mean improvement in facial rhytid score at long-term follow-up was 45%. This improvement was consistent in all facial subsites. With the exception of 1 case of hyperpigmentation, which resolved within 2 years of treatment, hypopigmentation was the only long-term adverse effect. This complication was present in 6 patients (13%). The patients who developed hypopigmentation were more likely to have a greater response to treatment., Conclusion: Our findings show that carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is a safe and effective treatment for facial rhytids.

Objective: To obviate the difficulty of ruling out confounding variables (eg, age, individual variability) as the source of differences seen when comparing tumor tissue and control tissue from unrelated individuals, we examined the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (interstitial collagenase) and MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase B) in histologically normal skin immediately adjacent to basal cell carcinomas (peritumoral tissue) after Mohs micrographic surgery and postauricular skin from the same patients., Design: Peritumoral and postauricular skin samples were obtained from 17 patients undergoing Mohs surgery. Expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was examined in these specimens using a combination of approaches including zymography, collagen-degradation assays, and immunohistology., Results: The expression levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9 were consistently elevated in the peritumoral tissue compared with skin from the distal site., Conclusion: This finding indicates that even when potentially important variables such as age and individual variability are controlled for, tumor-specific effects on the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-1 remain.

The literature is replete with discussions outlining surgical techniques for managing nasal tip deformities. In contrast, articles devoted to specific dorsal nasal abnormalities are rare. Surgical management of the nasal dorsum has traditionally been relegated to either augmentation or reduction followed by osteotomy. Contemporary rhinoplasty demands attention to the creation of an ideal profile line, which may require dorsal reduction in some areas and augmentation in others. Treatment of the patient with an appropriate projection of the profile but with a wide nasal dorsum presents a special challenge: to narrow the nasal bridge without altering its projection. We discuss several surgical techniques to narrow the nasal dorsum, while maintaining dorsal height. Selected cases are presented to illustrate these techniques and to clarify surgical options.

Melanoma with the lentigo maligna histological pattern often provides a significant and difficult challenge to the head and neck surgeon. The lentigo maligna subtype is the most common type of melanoma on the head and neck. This potentially lethal form of cancer is associated with greater nonvisual lesional extension that is often not clinically apparent. Failure to excise the entire lesion results in a higher risk of local recurrence and a poorer prognosis. The staged excision technique described herein results in histological interpretation of 100% of the peripheral margins using formalin-fixed vertical sections. Definitive local excision and soft tissue reconstruction are performed in a subsequent stage, with an assurance that 100% of the peripheral margins have been evaluated and interpreted as free of disease.

Objective: To evaluate aesthetic and functional results of reconstruction of the nasal alar subunit using free cartilage grafts with an interpolated cheek or forehead flap and a vascularized mucosal flap when required., Setting: University-based facial plastic surgery practice., Patients: A case series of 50 patients with primary alar defects undergoing nasal alar reconstruction., Main Outcome Measures: Observer's and patient's rating of the final results, patient's rating of breathing and level of self-consciousness, and medical record review of complications., Results: Most aesthetic outcomes were excellent to good. Breathing from the reconstructed side can be returned to preoperative status in most of these patients., Conclusion: Staged reconstruction of the nasal ala using free cartilage grafts, interpolated cheek or forehead and mucosal flaps when necessary, result in a highly aesthetic and functional outcome in most patients.

The Abbe flap is most commonly used to repair full-thickness defects of the lip that do not involve the commissure. This well-perfused axial flap is based on the labial branches of the facial artery. The inferior labial vessels have been shown to support a cutaneous territory, including the entire lower lip, chin, and submental skin. Defects extending beyond the confines of the upper lip may be reconstructed with an extended lip switch flap that is based on the inferior labial artery. This "extended" Abbe flap allows functional and cosmetically acceptable repair of the upper lip, medial cheek, columella, and nasal sill. Case presentations illustrate the technique and outcome.

Scoring, morselizing, and resecting the alar cartilages in an attempt to modify the position and shape of the nasal tip may lead to postoperative distortions of the lobule. Contour grafts have the disadvantage of asymmetries, visible irregularities, and absorption. For these reasons, surgeons have adopted suture techniques as the primary method of recontouring the alar cartilages. My philosophy in dealing with mild to moderate tip deformities consists of the following principles: (1) limited or no resection of cartilages; (2) no scoring or morselization of alar cartilages, which produces irreversible change and unpredictable results; (3) use of support grafts in the form of columellar struts and lateral crural battens to supplement structure and correct intrinsic alar cartilage weaknesses; (4) reliance primarily on the use of sutures to recontour and position the tip; and (5) limited use of contour grafts for situations that cannot be corrected with sutures and support grafts. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2000;2:34-42

In the last 4 years, there have been a few reports concerning unconventional management of the fat posterior to the orbital septum (intraorbital) as well as periorbital fat located superficial to the orbital septum in a plane both superficial and deep to the orbicularis oculi muscle. With reference to intraorbital fat, some reports suggest that this fat be preserved and mobilized to other areas to recontour the lower lid, while other authors suggest repositioning the fat within the bony orbit. To address these new concepts, a discussion of the theories behind these approaches is needed.

Objective: To review and report our experience with the subcutaneous pedicle flap in the reconstruction of defects adjacent to the melolabial crease., Design: Retrospective review., Setting: Cutaneous surgery unit of an academic tertiary referral center., Patients: One hundred nine patients with defects of the lateral aspect of the upper lip, the medial aspect of the cheek, and the melolabial crease after Moh excision of cutaneous lesions., Conclusions: In our experience, the subcutaneous pedicle advancement flap is often ideally suited to the reconstruction of cutaneous defects adjacent to the melolabial crease. We have been particularly satisfied with the results of this reconstructive technique when addressing deep defects adjoining the alar facial sulcus in patients with full cheeks.

Correction of the aesthetically short nose is one of the most challenging problems in facial plastic surgery. We discuss several techniques aimed at the correction of this problem and propose an algorithm based on the desired effect of the lengthening procedure on tip rotation. Five principal techniques for nasal lengthening are discussed, with figures and cases to illustrate the concepts: (1) the flying buttress graft, which is made up of a single or paired spreader grafts secured to a columellar strut; (2) caudal septal grafts and (3) tip grafts of various shapes; (4) radix grafts placed to elevate the nasion; and (5) interposition grafts placed between the upper and lower lateral cartilages. When the tip is overrotated, small to moderate gains in nasal length may be achieved by a triangular-shaped caudal septal graft or a shield graft that is backed by wedge grafts near the tip. More substantial lengthening and derotation can be achieved by the flying buttress technique or by interposition cartilage or composite grafting between the upper and lower lateral cartilages. With a nasal tip that is adequately rotated or underrotated, nasal lengthening can be achieved by a rectangular-shaped caudal septal graft or by a full-length shield graft. An onlay graft to augment the radix and elevate the nasion to a higher point on the dorsum can be used alone or in combination with a tip or septal graft.

Objective: To combine certain aspects of the sub-superficial musculoaponeurotic system (sub-SMAS) and subperiosteal rhytidectomies to maximize the advantages while minimizing the disadvantages of each., Design: The subperiosteal rhytidectomy is used to reposition the ptotic malar fat pad concomitantly with the elevation of the corner of the mouth by means of shifting upward the origin of the zygomatic major muscle. The sub-SMAS rhytidectomy is used to maximize elevation of the jowl., Setting: Ambulatory surgical facility., Method: Preauricular and temporal dissection is subcutaneous to the malar eminence above and angle of mandible below. A subperiosteal dissection of the middle part of the face is then accomplished through a sublabial approach combined with an incision over the malar eminence. An incision is made through the SMAS from the malar eminence to the mandibular angle and sub-SMAS dissection is accomplished under the jowl. The subperiosteal dissection is suspended to the temporal fascia and the SMAS dissection is imbricated with 2 suspension suture lines., Conclusions: Follow-up in patients who are 1-year postoperative demonstrates a continued youthful elevation and flattening of the melolabial fold and complete correction of the jowl. No facial nerve injury or hematomas were observed.

Tissue expansion offers the reconstructive surgeon a better option than the conventional methods of skin grafts or the transfer for non-hair-bearing, regional or microsurgical flaps for reconstructing large defects that cannot be repaired with adjacent hair-bearing flaps. Aspects of preoperative planning and technical factors of scalp expansion are presented to assist the clinician in managing these difficult reconstructive challenges.

To our knowledge, a histologic evaluation of bone healing after mandible reconstruction with vascularized human bone grafts has not been previously reported. Serial sections through both the decalcified graft and the junction between mandible and graft were evaluated in four patients who required surgical removal of their reconstructed mandibles. A failed scapular bone graft that had been wrapped within a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for salvage following pedicle thrombosis showed markedly resorbed but viable bone with a fibrous union to the native mandible. Viable vascularized grafts without evidence of ongoing resorption characterized an iliac osteocutaneous bone graft and two scapula osteocutaneous grafts that healed with continuity of healthy bone between graft and mandible. Observations from the evaluation of these specimens are made regarding bone circulation, bone union, and bone graft survival as they occur clinically. Implications regarding the techniques of bone plating and indications for use of vascularized bone in mandible reconstruction are discussed.

A prolonged tissue expansion has the advantage of creating large amounts of additional skin for reconstructing cutaneous defects that might not be possible without the use of multiple, regional, distant, or microsurgical flaps. In spite of this, there are disadvantages, many of which can be circumvented by the use of rapid intraoperative tissue expansion instead. Although rapid expansion does not increase skin surface area as much as prolonged expansion, it may be helpful in assisting with closure of defects that might otherwise be problematic.

Tissue expansion is indicated in the reconstruction of various defects of the head and neck in instances where there is inadequate adjacent tissue to allow either primary closure of the defect or repair with a local flap. It may also be indicated in instances where repair of a defect by an alternative method such as a local, regional, or distant flap will result in an unacceptable donor or recipient site deformity. Although tissue expansion is simplistic in concept, it does require judgment and indepth preoperative planning to ensure optimal results. The complication rate is high for tissue expansion in the head and neck, particularly in the cheek and neck area. Despite the frequency of complications, in the vast majority of cases the intended reconstruction is successful.

Although the initial reports of tracheoesophageal puncture after total laryngectomy reported little to no morbidity, subsequent studies with longer follow-up have reported a significant number of complications. We present the first reported case (to our knowledge) of prolapse of the posterior tracheal wall with diverticulum formation developing 6 years after continuous use of tracheoesophageal puncture speech. Preoperative assessment with a barium esophagogram and rigid esophagoscopy aided in the successful surgical treatment of this disorder. The pathogenesis of this complication and method of repair are discussed.

Successful surgical reconstruction of complicated soft-tissue defects of the head and neck region has been greatly enhanced by free-revascularized tissue transfers. The scapular free flap has become a favored reconstructive option in our department and has been reported previously for one-stage mandibular reconstruction. This flap can also be transferred as a cutaneous free flap. We present our clinical experience with the fasciocutaneous scapular free flap and review the anatomy, surgical technique, and utility of this versatile flap.

Bone scanning, performed within 1 week postoperatively, is valuable in predicting the survival of revascularized composite flap grafts. Conventional planar scintigraphy is limited by a two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional structures. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a technique in which a gamma camera rotates around the patient, acquires multiple projections, and with the aid of a computer, reconstructs three-dimensional representations. We wished to evaluate the potential advantages of SPECT in the assessment of mandibular graft viability and to compare it with planar scanning. These noninvasive methods of assessing the vascular supply are critical to patient management in the early postoperative period because the presence of or inability to exclude vascular compromise commands surgical exploration of the anastomosis for graft salvage. Fifteen patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with revascularized free grafts were studied by both planar and SPECT scintigraphy. Long-term follow-up data were correlated with the outcome predicted by the scanning.

We attempted to demonstrate that the totally amputated rabbit auricle could survive on nutrient flow provided through arterialization of the venous system. It has been demonstrated by Mundy and Panje that a free flap placed on a large recipient bed and receiving nutrients through retrograde venous flow will survive as frequently as one in which a conventional microvascular anastomosis has been performed. Our groups examined (1) conventional microvascular anastomosis of the amputated appendage to establish survival and demonstrate proficiency with the technique; (2) survival when only venous egress is maintained; and (3) effectiveness of establishing nutrient flow through arterialization of the venous system. Nutrient flow in the first group was through the arterial system. In the second group no nutrient flow was established, but the venous system remained intact. In the last group, nutrient flow existed through retrograde venous profusion. Survival within the groups that underwent reestablishment of nutrient flow through a conventional reanastomosis or through arterialization of the venous system was not significantly different. There were no surviving segments if nutrient flow was not reestablished, but venous channels remained intact. It was shown that nutrient flow to a free-standing appendage can be established through retrograde venous profusion, and that maintenance of venous drainage alone is not sufficient for survival when a limited base exists. We suggest that arterialization of the venous system is a viable means of reestablishing nutrient flow to the amputated auricle.

Seventeen patients, 4 of whom had osteoradionecrosis, underwent mandibular reconstruction with a revascularized scapular osteocutaneous flap. The mean length of revascularized scapular bone used was 10.4 cm. Nine of the 17 flaps healed uneventfully; however, previously irradiated patients had a higher incidence of postoperative complications. There was only 1 flap failure. We found the free revascularized scapular osteocutaneous flap to be reliable and ideal for the reconstruction of large composite defects of the oral cavity.

The disadvantage of traditional methods for reconstruction of soft-tissue deficits providing symmetric restoration of head and neck contour are the need for multiple stages in the case of pedicle flaps and the unpredictable atrophy and resorption in the case of free nonvascularized dermis-fat grafts. In addition, unsightly donor defects may be an added disadvantage. A major use of free revascularized grafts and flaps is in the reconstruction of contour defects of the head and neck resulting from loss of soft tissue and bone. Soft-tissue augmentation can be achieved by the transfer of free cutaneous or musculocutaneous flaps. The ideal donor sites for such flaps are in areas of the body where large direct cutaneous or musculocutaneous flaps can be harvested with relatively long vascular pedicles, and where minimum morbidity and secondary deformity will occur from harvesting the flap. Microvascular flaps allow for tissue augmentation of the head and neck with restoration of symmetry without the problem of subsequent atrophy and resorption.

The operation of a radiology consultation service in an acute care teaching hospital is described. The radiologist acts as an active advisor in the structuring of diagnostic evaluations in three disease categories; biliary tract disease, nonemergency gastrointestinal tract bleeding, and abdominal mass. There was a 64% reduction in the time needed to establish a diagnosis and a 32% decrease in the number of studies for each patient on the consultation ward compared with a control group, which consisted of patients with similar clinical presentations. A formal partnership between clinician and radiologist serves two important functions in teaching hospitals. It can simultaneously expedite diagnostic evaluations and teach the best utilization of imaging examinations.

Recurrent pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland warrant consideration because of the potential for facial nerve injury occurring with surgical treatment and the risk of malignant conversion. Forty-eight cases of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma treated at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, between 1935 and 1975 were retrospectively analyzed. The results of surgical procedures for recurrence were determined with respect to tumor control and resultant facial nerve function. Malignant conversion developed in three (6%) of 48 cases. The results of this study underscore the importance of adequate surgical excision of initial recurrences as well as primary tumors to prevent tumor recidivism. Tumor control rates and facial nerve preservation are enhanced with formal parotidectomy for recurrent tumor when feasible. In cases in which facial nerve identification and dissection is not possible, en bloc total parotidectomy offers effective, though not absolute, control of extensive recurrence.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy for the treatment of localized malignant neoplasms in the head and neck is an appealing approach for several reasons. Perhaps the most important is the possibility of obtaining a regional advantage such that an increased drug concentration is delivered systemically. The patient may, therefore, be spared systemic toxicity. We report our accumulated experience using a totally implantable infusion pump in 37 patients. A total of 42 pumps were implanted: 28 single-catheter pumps and 14 dual-catheter pumps. Radionuclide imaging demonstrated total perfusion of the tumor in all patients. A combination of cisplatin (50 to 100 mg/m2) and floxuridine (0.01 to 0.045 mg/kg/d) was used to treat 26 patients. For these heavily pretreated patients, we observed a 43% complete and partial response rate in the subgroup of patients with squamous cell carcinoma. These results are comparable with those reported for these drugs administered systemically and for other drug combinations tested in the treatment of recurrence disease.

Developments in microvascular surgery have overcome much of the problem of inadequate vascularity encountered by more conventional methods of mandibular reconstruction. The advantage of the osteocutaneous scapular flap compared with earlier described revascularized bone grafts or composite flaps is its greater versatility in reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the oral cavity concomitant with mandibular reconstruction. This is primarily related to the independent vascular pedicles of the cutaneous and osseous portions of the flap. This flap is our preferred method of reconstructing mandibular defects.