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Riccardo Cipriani

Publications and source records attributed to Riccardo Cipriani.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Oromandibular reconstruction using a fibula osteocutaneous free flap: four different "preplating" techniques.

BACKGROUND: The aim of oromandibular reconstruction following a partially or fully extended resection is to recreate the normal morphology with a mandibular profile as similar as possible to the original and to restore oral function. Oromandibular reconstruction can be performed with fibula osteocutaneous free flaps combined with the preplating technique. The authors report their experience using the preplating technique for oromandibular reconstruction. METHODS: Four different methods can be used to mold the titanium plate that will be used in reconstruction against the existing mandible before resection. The preplating technique was used in 18 patients between 1998 and 2003. In eight patients, the external cortical bone of the mandible was spared by the tumor and the vestibular preplating technique was used. In one patient, the internal cortical bone was unaffected and the lingual preplating technique was used. When the tumor affected both the internal and external cortical bones, the double preplating technique was adopted in eight cases and Luhr's approach was used in one case. RESULTS: A good cosmetic appearance was obtained through the accurate reconstruction of the inferior mandibular border. Mandible continuity was restored, and the masticatory and oral muscles were anchored to the titanium plate, resulting in good occlusal and functional rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The preplating technique combined with a fibula microvascular free flap is a useful, predictable method for oromandibular reconstruction.

Adolescent↗

Hand reconstruction using the thin anterolateral thigh flap.

BACKGROUND: Perforator flaps have been introduced for various kinds of reconstruction and resurfacing; in particular, the free thin anterolateral thigh flap is becoming one of the most preferred options for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2002, the authors used this flap as a free flap for nine cases for covering hand defects after burn, crushing injuries, or severe scar contracture release. There were eight men and one woman, the mean age of the patients was 31 years, and the size of the flaps ranged from 7 x 3.5 cm to 15 x 9 cm; thinning was performed in all flaps. RESULTS: All flaps survived completely, and the donor site was closed directly in seven cases; in two cases, the exposed muscle was covered with split-thickness skin graft. CONCLUSIONS: The anterolateral thigh flap was thin enough for defects on the dorsum and/or palm of the hand and for first web reconstruction after scar contracture release. It has many advantages in free flap surgery including a long pedicle with a suitable vessel diameter, and the donor-site morbidity is acceptable. The thin anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile soft-tissue flap that achieves good hand contour with low donor-site morbidity.

Adult↗

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the oral cavity using the free anterolateral thigh flap.

Oral cavity reconstruction after removal of locally advanced tumors is particularly difficult because anatomical restoration must accurately reproduce the original structure and enable effective and fast rehabilitation of mastication, swallowing, and phonation. The authors report their 2-year experience with 17 patients surgically treated for oral cavity cancer with reconstruction performed with the free anterolateral thigh flap. Thanks to its thinness and pliability, this flap has proven to be perfectly adaptable to the structural peculiarities of the resected areas and has enabled the authors to considerably reduce the cosmetic and functional complications in the donor area observed with other flaps (such as the radial forearm flap). Flap grafting has always been complete and regular, and no intraoperative and postoperative complications have been observed. Swallowing recovery has always been satisfactory. On the basis of the authors' results, their current approach to oral cavity reconstruction is based on the use of flaps that enable anatomical restoration of the resected areas and reduce morbidity of the donor site. They believe that the anterolateral thigh flap can offer all of these opportunities, and the surgery can be simultaneously performed by two surgical teams.

Adult↗