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Abstract Background The large defects resulting from head and neck tumour surgeries present a reconstructive challenge to surgeons. Although numerous methods can be used, they all have their own limitations. In this paper, we present our experience with cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps to help expand the awareness and application of this useful system of flaps. Methods Twenty-one consecutive patients who underwent repair of a variety of defects of the head and neck with cervicofacial or cervicothoracic flaps in our hospital from 2006 to 2009 were retrospectively analysed. Statistics pertaining to the patients' clinical factors were gathered. Results Cheek neoplasms are the most common indication for cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps, followed by parotid tumours. Among the 12 patients with medical comorbidities, the most common was hypertension. Defects ranging from 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm to 7 cm × 6 cm were reconstructed by cervicofacial flap, and defects from 3 cm × 2 cm to 16 cm × 7 cm were reconstructed by cervicothoracic flap. The two flaps also exhibited versatility in these reconstructions. When combined with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, the cervicothoracic flap could repair through-and-through cheek defects, and in combination with a temporalis myofacial flap, the cervicofacial flap was able to cover orbital defects. Additionally, 95% patients were satisfied with their resulting contour results. Conclusions Cervicofacial and cervicothoracic flaps provide a technically simple, reliable, safe, efficient and cosmetic means to reconstruct defects of the head and neck.

PURPOSE: A clinical study was undertaken to define the vascular anatomy of anteromedial thigh perforator flap (AMT) and evaluate the outcomes of the flap in head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: The sizable perforators of AMT flaps and their origins were prospectively explored in 54 patients. For each patient, we recorded the sizable perforators' location, diameter, source vessel, numbers and anatomical types. Among them, 14 cases underwent head and neck reconstruction with AMT flaps. The complications and functions of donor and recipient sites were recorded and the operative techniques of AMT were described. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: Eight of fifty-four thighs had no sizable AMT perforators. AMT flap was based on the medial branch of descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA) and shared the same vascular pedicle with anterolateral thigh flap (ALT). The total sizable perforators were 56. Among them, 40.9%(25/61) were direct septocutaneous perforators, the remaining perforators were all musculocutaneous. Most of the sizable perforators (58/61, 95.1%) were located in the middle one-third of the thigh, with an average of (3.9±0.72) cm medial to a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the superolateral patella and an average of (22.5+2.38) cm to anterior superior iliac spine. There was an negtive relationship between the number of sizable perforators of AMT and ALT flaps (P<0.01). 14 flaps survived completely. No complications were observed in recipient and donor site. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicle of AMT flap is the medial branch of d-LCFA. The AMT flap may be useful if ALT flap is without sizable perforators. AMT flap may be as a primary or an alternative choice of anterolateral thigh flap for head and neck reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To study the effect of pituitary tumour transforming gene (PTTG) on invasion and metastasis of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. METHODS: The expression of PTTG and bFGF was investigated in 40 salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma tissues and 20 normal salivary tissues by immunohistochemistry. Pearson's Chi-square test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze the data using SPSS 11.5 software package. RESULTS: The expression of PTTG and bFGF were significantly higher in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma tissues than in normal salivary gland tissues (P<0.01) and their expression levels were positively correlated (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PTTG and bFGF are highly expressed in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. The invasion and metastasis of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma are correlated with the expression of PTTG. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation (81102058). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To explore the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics and treatment of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in oral and maxillofacial region. METHODS: Twenty-one cases with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of oral and maxillofacial soft tissues were reported. Their clinical features, radiological and pathological manifestations, treatment and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed with related literature review. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were treated by surgery. Three recurrences were found in 19 cases during following up. 2 cases was lost follow-up. Ten in 21 patients had been followed up for 5 years. 6 patients followed up about 3 years. 3 patients followed up about 2 years. 3 cases were treated by radiotherapy for postoperative recurrence. One in 3 relapsed cases had been followed up for 3 years and the tumor size decreased, one patient followed up about 2 years. The tumor disappeared 2 months after treatment. One patient was followed up about half year. No change in tumor size. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis is depend on biopsy for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of oral and maxillofacial soft tissues. Surgery is a primary and effective treatment method. If surgical incision cannot be accessible,radiotherapy or hormonal therapy can be used as an adjunctive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]