Algorithm of reconstruction combined midface defects after resection malignant tumors
Authors: Bolotin M. V. , Mudunov A. M. , Sobolevsky V. Yu. , Sokorutov V. I. 
Published: August 2022

Introduction. Surgical treatment of malignant tumors of maxilla and midface results to a combined defects of the soft tissues of the face (upper lip, buccal, zygomatic regions), upper jaw, hard and soft palate, retromolar region, orbit, nasoethmoidal complex. This is one of the most difficult localizations in terms of both the possibility of performing radical surgery and reconstruction. The purpose of reconstruction is not only the elimination of cosmetic deformity, but also the restoration of such vital functions as breathing, swallowing, speech and binocular vision. Till that time, no algorithm has been developed for choosing a method for the reconstruction and there is no comparative analysis of the available methods.

The study objective is to improve the functional and aesthetic results of treatment patients with malignant tumors of the upper jaw and midface.

Materials and methods. For the period from 2014 to 2020 in the Department of Head and Neck Tumors of the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, ministry of Health of Russia microsurgical reconstruction after resections of the upper jaw and midface was performed in 80 patients. most often (25 (31 %) patients) the primary tumor was localized in the maxillary sinus, then hard palate (16 (20 %) patients), soft palate (11 (14 %) patients), retromolar trigone (13 (16 %) patients). primary location at alveolar process of the upper jaw was in 3 (3 %) cases, nasal cavity and cells of the ethmoid labyrinth - in 4 (5 %), frontal sinus - in 5 (6 %), the skin of the cheek and lower eyelid - in 3 (3 %) patients. we defined 4 main types of resection. Type I - combined lower resections of the maxilla and mucosa of the retromolar region, soft palate, lateral wall of the oropharynx (47 (60 %) patients). Type II - total radical maxillectomy (resection of all walls of the upper jaw, including orbital wall) (12 (15 %) patients). In 5 (42 %) cases, the resection was combined and included, in addition to the upper jaw, the skin of the buccal and zygomatic regions. Type III - combined partial resections of the upper jaw (13 (17 %) cases). In 9 (69 %) cases, the block of tissues to be removed included a fragment of the skin of the buccal region, part of the external nose, and lower eyelid. Type Iv - orbitomaxillary resection with orbital exenteration (6 (8 %) patients), including exenteration of the orbit, cells of the ethmoid labyrinth, resection of the frontal bone, medial wall of the orbit, a fragment of the dura mater (4 (67 %) cases), skin of frontal, buccal, zygomatic areas, upper and lower eyelids. for reconstruction of defects in 80 patients we used 82 free flaps. In 76 (93 %) cases, simultaneous resections of the primary lesion and reconstructions were performed, in 6 (7 %) cases, delayed reconstruction after previously performed combined or complex treatment were performed.

Results. In type I resection with limited defects excellent functional and aesthetic results were obtained in all cases of using a radialis fasciocutaneous free flap. In case of subtotal and total defects of the hard palate and the alveolar margin of the upper jaw, the best aesthetic (excellent in 5-46 % of patients, satisfactory in 3-27 %) and functional (excellent speech quality in 8 patients) results were obtained with use free scapula tip flap. In type II resections excellent aesthetic results were obtained in 6 (55 %) patients. In all cases, a chimeric free flap consists of tip of the scapula, fragment of serratus muscle and skin of parascapular region was used. In type III resections in patients with limited defects, 5 (71 %) had excellent aesthetic results, and 2 (29 %) had satisfactory aesthetic results. In all cases a radial free flap was used. In case of half defects of the upper jaw anterior-lateral thigh flap and thoracodorsal free flap was used. In all cases satisfactory aesthetic result was obtained. In type IV resections satisfactory aesthetic results were obtained in all patients.

Conclusion. Preoperative computer 3D modeling is necessary in planning of reconstruction. This allows to determining the type and volume of the defect, plan optimal method of reconstruction, model the required flap geometry, making a template for harvesting flap, calculating the position and number of titanium plates for fixation, and, if necessary, print an individual mesh of the infraorbital wall.