Head and neck reconstruction using free flaps: a 30-year medical record review.

Background: The free flap surgical method is useful for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. This study retrospectively analyzed the results of head and neck reconstructions using various types of free flaps over the past 30 years.

Methods: Between 1989 and 2018, a total of 866 free flap procedures were performed on 859 patients with head and neck defects, including 7 double free flaps.

Primary amelanotic melanoma of the mandibular gingiva.

Oral mucosal melanoma is a very rare type of malignant melanoma, the characteristics of which differ from those of cutaneous melanoma. Primary amelanotic melanoma of the mandibular gingiva, which can invade the mandibular bone, is very rare worldwide. Here, we report a case in which we performed a reconstruction of the mandible and gingiva using the fibula osteocutaneous free flap procedure to treat a patient diagnosed with a primary amelanotic melanoma of the mandibular gingiva.

Klebsiella pneumoniae necrotizing fasciitis on the upper lip in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes.

A 60-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure was admitted to the hospital with severe pain in the upper lip, which began 4 days prior to admission, accompanied by a bullous lesion and suspected cellulitis in the upper lip. Immediately after admission, as the patient´s general condition worsened, tests revealed a non-ST elevated myocardial infarction, septic embolism of the lung, as well as septic shock. Her upper lip suddenly presented a gangrenous and necrotic change, which the tissue and blood culture confirmed to be a Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.

Free-flap reconstruction in recurrent head and neck cancer: A retrospective review of 124 cases.

Background: Free-flap reconstruction for recurrent head and neck cancer may be challenging depending on the previous treatments, those are, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, including neck dissection or free tissue transfer. Specifically, the previous treatment could compromise the neck vessels, thereby making free-flap reconstruction more difficult. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between previous treatments and vascular compromise of the free flap.

Risk Factors of and Treatments for Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Occurring after Oropharynx and Hypopharynx Reconstruction.

Background: A pharyngocutaneous fistula is a common and difficult-to-manage complication after head and neck reconstruction. It can lead to serious complications such as flap failure, carotid artery rupture, and pharyngeal stricture, and may require additional surgery. Previous radiotherapy, a low serum albumin level, and a higher T stage have been proposed as contributing factors.

Clinical Experiences with the Scapular Fascial Free Flap.

Background: The goal of reconstruction is to provide coverage of exposed vital structures with well-vascularized tissue for optimal restoration of form and function. Here, we present our clinical experience with the use of the scapular fascial free flap to correct facial asymmetry and to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the extremities.

Methods: We used a scapular fascial free flap in 12 cases for soft tissue coverage of the extremities or facial soft tissue augmentation.

Clinical outcome and prognostic factors after salvage surgery for isolated regional squamous cell carcinoma recurrences.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome and predictive factors for salvage surgery of isolated regional recurrences of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 55 patients who were treated with surgery-based treatment.

Results: The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 61.

Reconstruction of the lower extremity using free flaps.

Background: The aim of lower-extremity reconstruction has focused on wound coverage and functional recovery. However, there are limitations in the use of a local flap in cases of extensive defects of the lower-extremities. Therefore, free flap is a useful option in lower-extremity reconstruction.

Alternative treatment option for hypopharyngeal cancer: clinical outcomes after conservative laryngeal surgery with partial pharyngectomy.

Conclusion: The oncological and functional outcomes of hypopharyngeal cancer after conservative laryngeal surgery are fairly acceptable, making this a reasonable initial treatment option for selected patients.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with conservative laryngeal surgery with partial pharyngectomy.

Methods: Fifty-eight patients with hypopharyngeal SCC who underwent laryngeal preservation surgery were enrolled.

Analysis of 120 pectoralis major flaps for head and neck reconstruction.

Background: A pectoralis major flap is one of the standard tools for the reconstruction of defects of the head and neck. Despite the technical advancement in free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction, the benefits of a pectoralis major flap should not be overlooked. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our 17 years of experience in reconstructing defects of the head and neck region using the pectoralis major flap.