Microsurgical reconstruction of maxillectomy defects: experience of 24 cases.

Autor: Gomes, Nuno, Zenha, Horácio, Azevedo, Luís, Rios, Leonor, Sequeira, Hugo, Coelho, Gustavo, Martins, João, Pinto, Cristina, Santos, Diana, Barroso, Maria, Costa, Horácio
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Zdroj: European Journal of Plastic Surgery; Oct2013, Vol. 36 Issue 10, p619-626, 8p
Abstrakt: Introduction: The defect complexity and reconstructive options make the maxillary reconstruction a controversial theme and in a constant debate. The maxilla is a fundamental aesthetic and functional structure of the face. Microsurgical vascularized flaps replaced the usage of prosthetic material and pedicled flaps as a 'gold standard' for the reconstruction of complex defects following maxillectomy. Methods: The authors report their experience of 24 maxillectomies with immediate microsurgical reconstruction, performed by the senior author (H.C.) between 1998 and 2011. They evaluate and classify the defects and the reconstructive options according to the classification system as proposed by Cordeiro and Santamaria in 2000, by a patient questionnaire and post-operative surgeon follow-up for the functional (diet, speech, and vision) and aesthetic end results. Results: There were no flap failures. The main etiology was squamous cell carcinoma and the most used flap was rectus abdominis free flap. Classes I and II were responsible for the cases in which the reconstructive algorithm was not followed. Most patients responded as having a normal diet, a nearly normal speech and unaffected vision. In a score of 1 to 5, the mean score in esthetic given by the patient was 3.62, while the mean score given by the surgeons was 4.13. Conclusions: Microsurgical reconstruction of maxillectomy defects with free flaps is the best reconstructive option, being the osteomyocutaneous flaps as the gold standard. Although with limited rehabilitation, good functional and aesthetic results are to be expected with myocutaneous flaps. The existence of an algorithm facilitates the classification and systematization of maxillary reconstruction. However, due to defect complexity and large number of reconstructive options, a perfect solution does not exist. The individual assessment of the patient and the defect always provides the best method for the reconstructive planning, mainly when choosing free flaps. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index