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Fakurnejad S, Gulati A, Stanford-Moore GB, Park AM, Heaton CM, Seth R, Knott PD. The Impact of Venous Anastomosis Technique on Outcomes of Free Tissue Transfer to the Head and Neck. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2024; 26:148-151. [PMID: 37166789 DOI: 10.1089/fpsam.2022.0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of different techniques of microvascular venous anastomosis on the outcome of free tissue transfer to the head and neck. Methods: Retrospective case series of patients undergoing microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) from January 2006 to September 2021. Chi-square tests and t-tests were utilized to identify differences in flap outcomes by technique, and log-binomial regression analyses were utilized to identify differences in flap outcomes by technique. Results: A total of 1055 consecutive MFTTs were analyzed. One hundred four cases required a return to the operating room for any reason, and 19 were attributed to venous compromise (18.0%). Ultimately, there were 22 FTT failures requiring complete revision (2.1%). In total, 1055 MFTTs involved 1352 venous anastomoses, ranging from 1 to 3 anastomoses in each case. End-to-end (ETE) was used 1040 times (76.9%) and end-to-side (ETS) 204 times (15.0%). The calculated risk ratio for venous complication for ETS compared with ETE was 1.17 (0.34-3.98). A microvascular coupler was used in 355 cases (33.6%). The calculated risk ratio for coupler compared with suture anastomoses was 0.92 (0.35-2.39). Conclusions: There were no significant difference in regard to outcomes of MFTT when comparing ETE with ETS, nor when comparing coupler with suture anastomoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Fakurnejad
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Arushi Gulati
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- UC San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gaelen B Stanford-Moore
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrea M Park
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chase M Heaton
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rahul Seth
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - P Daniel Knott
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Nieminen T, Tapiovaara L, Bäck L, Lindford A, Lassus P, Lehtonen L, Mäkitie A, Keski-Säntti H. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol improves patient outcomes in free flap surgery for head and neck cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 281:907-914. [PMID: 37938375 PMCID: PMC10796721 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08292-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines have been developed to optimize pre-, intra-, and postoperative care of surgical oncology patients. The aim of this study was to compare management outcome of patients undergoing head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery with free flap reconstruction at our institution before and after the implementation of the ERAS guidelines. METHODS This retrospective study comprised 283 patients undergoing HNC surgery with free flap reconstruction between 2013 and 2020. Patients operated before and after the implementation of the ERAS protocol in October 2017 formed the pre-ERAS group (n = 169), and ERAS group (n = 114), respectively. RESULTS In the pre-ERAS group the mean length of stay (LOS) and intensive care unit length of the stay (ICU-LOS) were 20 days (range 7-79) and 6 days (range 1-32), and in the ERAS group 13 days (range 3-70) and 5 days (range 1-24), respectively. Both LOS (p < 0.001) and ICU-LOS (p = 0.042) were significantly reduced in the ERAS group compared to the pre-ERAS group. There were significantly fewer medical complications in the ERAS group (p < 0.003). No difference was found between the study groups in the surgical complication rate or in the 30-day or 6-month mortality rate after surgery. CONCLUSIONS We found reduced LOS, ICU-LOS, and medical complication rate, but no effect on the surgical complication rate after implementation of the ERAS guidelines, which supports their use in major HNC surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teija Nieminen
- Department of Perioperative and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, PO Box 340, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland.
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Laura Tapiovaara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leif Bäck
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrew Lindford
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Patrik Lassus
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lasse Lehtonen
- HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Keski-Säntti
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Preudhomme R, Veyssière A, Bildstein AC, Chatellier A, Garmi R, Bénateau H. Management after fibula free flap necrosis in maxillofacial reconstruction. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2023; 124:101586. [PMID: 37562713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2023.101586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few articles discuss the management of a free fibula flap (FFF) necrosis in maxillofacial reconstruction. MATERIAL & METHODS Between 2005 and 2020, 170 FFF were used for maxillofacial reconstruction at the University Hospital of Caen, among which 16 cases suffered total necrosis and flap removal. The authors categorized these 16 cases into three groups based on the proposed salvage treatment and analyzed the post-operative follow-up, including complications, length of hospital stay and delay in radiotherapy. RESULTS In Group A, two patients underwent immediate reconstruction with a new free flap. There were no postoperative complications, and the average hospitalization duration after removal of the first flap was 10 days. In Group B, eleven patients underwent reconstruction with a pedicled musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap. These patients experienced numerous complications, with 73% of them requiring at least one additional surgery, and all of them had an indication for later FFF reconstruction. The average hospitalization duration in this group was 37 days. In Group C, three patients underwent conservative management with debridement and mucosal closure. Two of them experienced complications, and all of them underwent later FFF reconstruction. The average hospitalization duration in this group was 15 days. DISCUSSION Based on our experience and the literature review, the use of an immediate new free flap appears to be the best approach after the removal of a FFF. This generates shorter healing times and shorter hospitalization stays, and this allows better results in terms of function and aesthetics. At least, this is the approach that causes the least delay for radiation therapy if indicated. The other approaches should only be proposed in case of patient's poor general condition or in case of refuse of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Preudhomme
- Caen University Hospital. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Address: Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14033 Caen France.
| | - Alexis Veyssière
- Caen University Hospital. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Address: Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14033 Caen France
| | - Anh-Claire Bildstein
- Caen University Hospital. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Address: Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14033 Caen France
| | - Anne Chatellier
- Caen University Hospital. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Address: Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14033 Caen France
| | - Rachid Garmi
- Caen University Hospital. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Address: Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14033 Caen France
| | - Hervé Bénateau
- Caen University Hospital. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Address: Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14033 Caen France
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Risk factors associated with early and late free flap complications in head and neck osseous reconstruction. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:811-817. [PMID: 36056974 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07619-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was designed to identify risk factors for post-operative complications in micro-anastomosed osteomyocutaneous free flaps (MOFF) and analyzed their consequences in long term. METHODS A retrospective review of 100 MOFF realized between May 2007 and October 2019 was performed. Demographic data, perioperative management and postoperative complications were enrolled and analyzed in a multivariate model. Patients were followed for ≥ 6 months. RESULTS Major surgical complication rate was 20% with 5% of overall free flap failure rate and 6% of anastomosis salvage surgery. Risk identified for major surgical complication was alcohol consumption (p = 0.0054). Minor surgical complications occurred in 26% of patients mostly due to infections (19%). No significant risk factor was associated to minor surgical complications. Major and minor medical complication rates were, respectively, 10% and 10%. Risk identified for major medical complication were age over 70 (p = 0.0253) and history of chemotherapy (p = 0.0277). Risk identified for minor medical complication were alcohol consumption p = 0.0232) and a history of radiotherapy (p = 0.0329). CONCLUSIONS Alcoholism is an independent risk factor for the surgical complication of MOFF that must be taken into account before surgery. Patients with a history of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or who are over 70 years of age are at greater risk of postoperative medical complications and require special attention.
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Nieminen T, Tolvi M, Lassus P, Wilkman T, Lehtonen L, Mäkitie A. Risk factors for evaluating early mortality after microvascular reconstruction of head and neck cancers. Scand J Surg 2022; 111:83-91. [PMID: 36000730 DOI: 10.1177/14574969221117010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free tissue transfer reconstruction carries significant complication rates in surgical head and neck oncology. A registry-based approach offers a possibility to investigate the factors affecting increased morbidity and early mortality, that is, death within 6 months of treatment. METHODS A retrospective registry review was conducted on a series of 317 consecutive microvascular free tissue transfers in head and neck cancer patients performed during 2013-2017 at the Helsinki University Hospital (Helsinki, Finland). All surviving patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 24-84 months). RESULTS Overall, 36 (11.4%) early deaths occurred in this series. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients aged 75 years and older (p = 0.019), Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) score of 3 (p = 0.048), tumor class T3 (p = 0.005), lymph node class N2 (p = 0.014), or thrombocyte count of 360 (× 109 L) or more (p = 0.001) were more likely to die within 6 months of surgery. Of these 36 patients, 27 (75%) had a complication warranting hospital care and most (n = 22, 61%) had several complications. CONCLUSIONS Early postoperative mortality most frequently affects patients aged 75 years and above, with a high ACE-27 score, advanced tumor stage, or high thrombocyte count. Therefore, preoperative assessment and patient selection should have a crucial role in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teija Nieminen
- Division of Anaesthesiology, Department of Anaesthesiology Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, P.O. Box 340, 00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland; Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine,University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Morag Tolvi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Patrik Lassus
- Patrik Lassus Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tommy Wilkman
- Tommy Wilkman Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lasse Lehtonen
- HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Li D, Wang C, Wei W, Li B, Liu H, Cheng A, Niu Q, Han Z, Feng Z. Postoperative Complications of Free Flap Reconstruction in Moderate-Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on Real-World Data. Front Oncol 2022; 12:792462. [PMID: 35814388 PMCID: PMC9263716 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.792462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPostoperative complications (POCs) of moderate-advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) after free flap reconstruction have received little attention. We investigated the risk factors that lead to POCs and their impact on management and prognosis.Patients and MethodsA single-center, prospective cohort study was conducted at Beijing Stomatological Hospital on primary HNSCC patients treated between 2015 and 2020.ResultsIn total, 399 consecutive HNSCC patients who underwent radical resection of the primary tumor and free flap reconstruction were enrolled in this study, 155(38.8%) experienced POCs. The occurrence of POCs directly led to worse short-term outcomes and poorer long-term overall survival (P=0.0056). Weight loss before the operation (P=0.097), Tumor site (P=0.002), stage T4b (P=0.016), an ACE-27 index of 2-3 (P=0.040), operation time≥8h (P=0.001) and Clindamycin as antibiotic prophylaxis (P=0.001) were significantly associated with POCs.ConclusionsThe occurrence of POCs significantly leads to worse short-term outcomes and increases the patients’ burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aoming Cheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qifang Niu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengxue Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhien Feng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhien Feng,
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Brady G, Leigh-Doyle L, Riva F, Kerawala C, Roe J. Early Post-operative Feeding: An Investigation of Early Functional Outcomes for Oral Cancer Patients Treated with Surgical Resection and Free Flap Reconstruction. Dysphagia 2021; 37:1008-1013. [PMID: 34559292 PMCID: PMC9345829 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10363-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally patients can remain nil by mouth (NBM) for up to 12 days after oral tumour resection with free flap reconstruction to reduce the risk of flap dehiscence, poor healing and fistulae. The literature reports that patients could on average remain an inpatient for up to 20 days post-surgery. An evaluation of the impact of a defined early oral feeding protocol was undertaken investigating functional outcomes and complications rates. We prospectively reviewed tracheostomy use, length of hospital stay, non-oral feeding status and swallowing function using the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer (PSS-HN) within a defined early feeding protocol. Twenty-nine patients underwent surgical resection with free flap reconstruction for advanced primary oral cancer between January 2018 and December 2019. Average age was 59.5 (range 24–88). Tumour sites included oral tongue (n = 10), maxilla (n = 6), mandible (n = 6), floor of mouth (n = 5) and buccal mucosa (n = 2). Median time to decannulation was 7 days (range 3–20 days, n = 11). The majority of patients were able to tolerate at least oral fluids on day 1 post-operatively (86%, n = 25). In addition to oral intake, non-oral feeding was required in 90% (n = 26), the majority of which included a nasogastric tube (NGT) placed intraoperatively 54% (n = 14), others required gastrostomy 46% (n = 12). Median time to nasogastric tube removal was 6 days (range 3–15 days). Median length of hospital stay was 10 days (range 3–51). Mean PSS-Normalcy of Diet (NOD) score at point of hospital discharge was 36.55 (95% CI 30.9–42.2). Flap failure was noted in 3% (n = 1). The adoption of an early oral feeding protocol suggests that there is the potential for a shorter hospital stay and earlier swallowing rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grainne Brady
- Therapies Department, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. .,Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Lauren Leigh-Doyle
- Therapies Department, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Francesco Riva
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Cyrus Kerawala
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Winchester, Winchester, UK
| | - Justin Roe
- Therapies Department, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Zebolsky AL, Patel N, Heaton CM, Park AM, Seth R, Knott PD. Patient-Reported Aesthetic and Psychosocial Outcomes After Microvascular Reconstruction for Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 147:1035-1044. [PMID: 34292310 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2021.1563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Importance Aesthetic outcomes are key determinants of psychosocial functioning among surgically treated patients with head and neck cancer (HNC); however, long-term aesthetic outcomes after microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) are not well described. Objective To examine risk factors for impaired long-term aesthetic satisfaction and appearance-related psychosocial functioning after HNC ablation with MFTT. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted at an academic tertiary care center. A total of 228 individuals who underwent MFTT between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, for treatment of HNC were included. The study was conducted from November 1, 2020, through January 15, 2021. Exposures Head and neck cancer ablation with MFTT. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient-reported outcomes were assessed via Aesthetic FACE-Q scales. The primary objective was aesthetic satisfaction determined by the Satisfaction With Facial Appearance scale. Secondarily, the Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress, Psychological Function, and Social Function scales were used to assess appearance-related psychosocial functioning. Patients were stratified by demographic, disease, surgical, and postoperative characteristics. Survey scores on a 100-point scale were compared and subjected to univariable and multivariable linear regression. Results A total of 124 of 228 patients (54.4%) completed surveys a median of 34.4 months after MFTT (interquartile range, 22.6-48.8). Most responders (79 [63.7%]) were men with advanced cancer of the oral cavity or skin, reconstructed with anterolateral thigh or osteocutaneous fibula free flaps. Nonresponders had no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The Satisfaction With Facial Appearance score was independently lower among patients who received osteocutaneous flaps (regression coefficient, -10.6 points, 95% CI, -20.4 to -0.8 points) and/or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (regression coefficient, -6.9 points; 95% CI, -13.8 to -0.1 points). Impaired appearance-related psychosocial functioning was independently associated with female sex, a history of anxiety or depression, osteocutaneous flaps, prolonged tube feeding requirements, and any recurrent or persistent disease. After adjustment for covariates, each 1-point increase in the Satisfaction With Facial Appearance score independently estimated improved appearance-related psychosocial functioning as determined by the Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress scale (regression coefficient, -0.5 points; 95% CI, -0.7 to -0.4 points), Psychological Function scale (regression coefficient, 0.4 points; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.5 points), and Social Function scale (regression coefficient, 0.4 points; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.6 points). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cross-sectional, web-based survey study suggest that osteocutaneous reconstruction and adjuvant therapy independently increase the risk of poor patient-reported long-term aesthetic satisfaction, which correlated with impaired appearance-related psychosocial functioning. Aesthetic outcomes appear to be a priority to address in patients with HNC undergoing MFTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Zebolsky
- Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Neil Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Chase M Heaton
- Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Andrea M Park
- Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Rahul Seth
- Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - P Daniel Knott
- Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
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Kerawala CJ, Riva F, Paleri V. The impact of early oral feeding following head and neck free flap reconstruction on complications and length of stay. Oral Oncol 2020; 113:105094. [PMID: 33242736 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.105094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the concept of maintaining a period of 'nil by mouth' following head and neck reconstruction is commonly held ideas on delaying function have changed dramatically since the introduction of peri-operative care recovery programmes. This study sought to evaluate the outcomes of early feeding on patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of oral defects with particular emphasis on post-operative complications and length of stay. METHODS Data was gathered prospectively on two cohorts of patients treated in a tertiary referral centre comparing those undergoing a five-day post-operative period of 'nil by mouth' with a second group in which the aim was to start fluids and soft diet on the day following surgery. Complications and length of stay were evaluated. RESULTS Both early and late feeding groups comprised of 200 patients. No significant differences were observed in terms of age, gender, smoking and alcohol use or tumour T and N stages between the two groups. 8% of patients had complications at the recipient site but no difference was observed in the rates of flap dehiscence or fistula formation between the two groups. Early feeding was associated with a statistically reduced length of hospital stay (mean 11.6 days vs 20.6 days, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Early oral feeding following head and neck free flap reconstruction is not associated with an increase incidence of peri-operative complications but reduces hospital stay. The latter may have far-reaching implications for patients' physical and psychological well-being in addition to health care resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus J Kerawala
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Winchester, UK.
| | - Francesco Riva
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Vinidh Paleri
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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