Tsao CK

[BACKGROUND] Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a severe complication following radiotherapy (RT), particularly after mandibular reconstruction with a fibula free flap. Risk prediction remains challenging due to limited data. [METHODS] We conduct…

[BACKGROUND] This study evaluates the impact of maxillary sinus mucosa preservation on radiographic outcomes after an inferior maxillectomy and soft-tissue free flap reconstruction. [METHODS] A total of 90 patients in two cohorts (mucosal …

This study evaluates functional outcomes of triangular check flap commissuroplasty after free flap reconstruction of through-and-through defects. Twenty-two patients were reviewed from the institutional data set. Outcome variables included …

[BACKGROUND] Segmental mandibular reconstruction with osteocutaneous fibular free flaps commonly employs end-to-end (E-T-E) wedge osteotomies. However, excessive osteotomies or limited fibular length can compromise vascularity, bony union, …

Total laryngopharyngectomy for advanced hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers results in complex defects that compromise both swallowing and phonation. Restoration of these functions is critical for quality of life, yet reconstructive option…

Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible refers to necrosis of bone and often with surrounding tissues after radiotherapy. This is often compounded by chronic infection, leading to debilitating outcomes on the patient's quality of life. In this a…

Developing several backup strategies for high-risk reconstruction cases is crucial to patient outcomes in head and neck cancer patients. Free tissue transfer always carries the risk of flap failure, and often, surgeons can be caught out wit…

Microsurgical free flaps have become the cornerstone for soft tissue reconstruction in the head and neck following tumor resection, offering improved functional and aesthetic outcomes with reduced donor site morbidity compared to traditiona…

Secondary reconstruction in head and neck cancer refers to surgical procedures performed following the initial primary reconstruction to address complications, residual defects, or recurrent or second primary tumors. The timing of secondary…

[BACKGROUND] Reconstruction of the oral cavity commonly results in trismus and lip incompetence. [AIM AND OBJECTIVES] In this study, we aim to describe an innovative design of a radial forearm free flap for resurfacing bilateral buccal def…

[PURPOSE] This study evaluates serial radiographic changes in the maxillary sinus of patients with oral cancer after an inferior maxillectomy and a soft tissue free flap reconstruction. [METHODS] Fifty-six patients were evaluated between O…

[BACKGROUND] Oral submucous fibrosis is a global health concern associated with betel quid use and results in trismus, which can be either primary or secondary in origin. Severe cases often require trismus release with free-flap reconstruct…

[BACKGROUND] Large defects of the lower lip pose a difficult challenge for any reconstructive surgeon. When there is limited local tissue available to resurface the defects, free flaps are the preferred option. [AIM AND OBJECTIVES] We repo…

[INTRODUCTION] Trismus after oral cancer is frequent, with scarce evidence of surgical release treatment in these patients. [OBJECTIVES] The objective of this study is to determine the results of trismus release and free flap reconstructio…

[BACKGROUND] Free flap monitoring is essential for postmicrosurgical management and outcomes but traditionally relies on human observers; the process is subjective and qualitative and imposes a heavy burden on staffing. To scientifically mo…

Extensive resections of advanced stage oral cavity cancers can sometimes lead to significant through and through buccal defects with compromise of the oral commissure/lips. Post free flap reconstruction, such patients often require a second…

[BACKGROUND] Tracheoesophageal puncture with a voice prosthesis is the gold standard for speech rehabilitation in patients that receive a laryngopharyngectomy. However, a novel surgical technique, using a tubularized anterolateral tight fla…

[BACKGROUND] Although microvascular free flaps are commonly performed and have high success rates, postoperative oronasal fistulas or infections do occur. The authors hypothesized that a two-layer closure is effective for prevention of intr…

Appropriate concepts of reconstruction can eliminate contraindications, reduce the incidence of complications, increase the success rates, and promote the outcomes. Besides, appropriate concepts can also help economical use of expensive tec…

[BACKGROUND]  Superficial temporal vessels have been used successfully as recipient vessels for head and neck reconstruction. This study evaluates the impact of several treatment variables on flap failure and take-back rate when using these…

[BACKGROUND] Dexamethasone (Dexa) is frequently administrated to patients receiving head and neck microsurgical reconstruction with nasotracheal intubation postoperatively for airway control. Infection is the greatest concern when prolongin…

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common comorbidity and risk factor for postoperative complications in head and neck (H&N) microsurgical reconstructions. Our study focused on the association between DM and individual complications regarding both…

[BACKGROUND] The primary reconstruction goal for patients with laryngopharyngectomy is the restoration of esophagus, whereas voice reconstruction is less readily reconstructed. J-flap is a novel surgical technique designed to reconstruct vo…