Outcomes of microvascular free tissue transfer in twice-irradiated patients. Microsurgery 2017 Sep;37(6):574-580
Date
01/10/2017Pubmed ID
28066911DOI
10.1002/micr.30154Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85008477492 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 7 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Patients may require microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) following re-irradiation for recurrent cancer or radiation complications. The objective of this study was to describe the indications for and outcomes of free flaps performed in twice-radiated patients.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified the indications for and outcomes of 36 free flaps performed on 29 twice-irradiated patients.
RESULTS: The free flap success rate was 92%. The most common indications requiring MFTT were cancer recurrence and osteoradionecrosis. Sixty-one percent experienced postoperative complications, most commonly wound infection (33%). Twenty-five percent of the procedures required return to the operating room due to postoperative complication.
CONCLUSIONS: MFTT can be successfully performed in the twice-irradiated patient population with a success rate comparable to singly-radiated patients. Despite a high success rate, there is also a high rate of surgical site complications, especially infection.
Author List
Clancy K, Melki S, Awan M, Li S, Lavertu P, Fowler N, Yao M, Rezaee R, Zender CAAuthor
Musaddiq J. Awan MD Associate Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AgedAged, 80 and over
Cohort Studies
Female
Free Tissue Flaps
Graft Rejection
Graft Survival
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Humans
Male
Microsurgery
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
Osteoradionecrosis
Prognosis
Radiation Injuries
Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated
Retreatment
Retrospective Studies
Risk Assessment
Vascular Surgical Procedures
Wound Healing
