J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 37(04): 372-379
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1717101
Original Article

The Evolution of the Free Fibula Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction: 21 Years of Experience with 128 Flaps

Ehud Fliss
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
,
Ravit Yanko
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
,
Gal Bracha
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
,
Roy Teman
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
,
Aharon Amir
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
,
Gilad Horowitz
2   Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
,
Nidal Muhanna
2   Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
,
Dan M. Fliss
2   Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
,
Eyal Gur
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
,
Arik Zaretski
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.

Abstract

Background The free fibula flap is commonly referred to as a “workhorse” for head and neck reconstruction. During our 21-year experience with this flap, we have performed several changes in preoperative planning, operative technique, and postoperative follow-up.

Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study designed to analyze the cohort of patients who underwent free fibula transfer for head and neck reconstruction. Demographics, medical background, operative data, and postoperative outcome were collected. The changes we performed in preoperative planning, operative technique, and postoperative follow-up were assessed and their impact on outcome discussed.

Results During 1998 to 2019 a total of 128 free fibula flaps were transferred for head and neck reconstruction. When comparing the patients treated in the early years to those who were treated in recent years we found no statistically significant difference in minor or major nonmicrosurgical complications in the recipient and donor site and in the rate of take backs due to microsurgical reasons. However total flap failure rate improved from 28% in early years to 8% in recent years (p = 0.012).

Conclusion During this 21-year period, we performed several changes in our practice. This included the use of a three-dimensional (3D) prefabricated model of the mandible, a shift toward side-table osteotomies, increasing the rate of osteofascial flaps in contrast to osteocutaneous flaps and the use of an implantable Doppler. These changes, together with a learning curve of the surgical team, significantly improved our overall success rates.

Note

This study was presented at annual American Society of Reconstructive Surgery (ASRM) meeting, January 13, 2020.


Authors' Contributions

All authors have contributed to the study design, drafting and reviewing of the manuscript and have approved it submission.




Publication History

Received: 09 May 2020

Accepted: 18 August 2020

Article published online:
30 September 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 
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