Perfusion of microvascular free flaps in head and neck reconstruction after prior neck dissection and irradiation

Microvascular free flaps are frequently used for head and neck reconstruction after prior neck dissection (ND) and neck irradiation (RTX). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ND and RTX on flap perfusion as a critical factor for flap success. Overall, 392 patients reconstructed with a microvascular fasciocutaneous flap (FF) or perforator flap (PF) in the head and neck region between 2011 and 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Flap perfusion measured intraoperatively and postoperatively with the O2C tissue oxygen analysis system was compared between patients who had received neither ND nor RTX (controls), patients who had received ND but no RTX (ND group), and patients who had received both ND and RTX (ND+RTX group).

Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - October 15, 2022 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: M. Ooms, B. Puladi, P. Winnand, M. Heitzer, T. Steiner, J. Bickenbach, F. H ölzle, A. Modabber Tags: Clinical Paper Source Type: research