Effect of preoperative radiation on free flap outcomes for head and neck reconstruction: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Microvascular Free-Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction: The Utility of the Modified Frailty Five-Item Index

BACKGROUND

 Microvascular free tissue transfer is a common tool for the reconstruction of oncologic head and neck defects. Adequate preoperative assessment can aid in appropriate risk stratification and peri-operative optimization. The modified five-item frailty index (mFI-5) is a validated risk-assessment scale; however, its utility in head and neck free-flap reconstruction is unknown when compared with other common risk factors.

METHODS

 A retrospective, single-institution chart review (2017-2020) was performed. Patient demographics, defect and repair characteristics, pre- and peri-operative factors, and flap outcomes were recorded. A high mFI-5 score was defined as greater than 2. The total score, as well as other patient factors, was correlated to postoperative flap complications.

RESULTS

 A total of 214 patients were deemed appropriate for conclusion. The mean age was 63.9 ± 12.8 years. There were an even number of males (52.8%) and females (47.2%). A fifth of subjects (20.8%) underwent preoperative radiotherapy. There were 21 cases (9.8%) of complete flap loss. A total of 34 patients (29.4%) experienced any postoperative complication related to flap outcomes. An elevated mFI-5 was significantly associated with a higher overall rate of postoperative complications (39.7 vs. 29.4%, p < 0.019) and total flap loss (16.7% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.033). Preoperative radiation was found to be associated with an increased complication rate (p < 0.003).

CONCLUSION

 The mFI-5 score may be a potentially significant tool in the risk stratification of patients undergoing head and neck free-flap reconstruction as opposed to commonly utilized risk factors. Preoperative radiotherapy is significantly associated with postoperative complications. Appropriate preoperative assessment may help tailor patient care preoperatively.

The Perfect Timing-Immediate versus Delayed Microvascular Reconstruction of the Mandible

In this retrospective study, the clinical and economic implications of microvascular reconstruction of the mandible were assessed, comparing immediate versus delayed surgical approaches. Utilizing data from two German university departments for oral and maxillofacial surgery, the study included patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction following continuity resection. The data assessed included demographic information, reconstruction details, medical history, dental rehabilitation status, and flap survival rates. In total, 177 cases (131 male and 46 females; mean age: 59 years) of bony free flap reconstruction (72 immediate and 105 delayed) were included. Most patients received adjuvant treatment (81% with radiotherapy and 51% combined radiochemotherapy), primarily for tumor resection. Flap survival was not significantly influenced by the timing of reconstruction, radiotherapy status, or the mean interval (14.5 months) between resection and reconstruction. However, immediate reconstruction had consumed significantly fewer resources. The rate of implant-supported masticatory rehabilitation was only 18% overall. This study suggests that immediate jaw reconstruction is economically advantageous without impacting flap survival rates. It emphasizes patient welfare as paramount over financial aspects in clinical decisions. Furthermore, this study highlights the need for improved pathways for masticatory rehabilitation, as evidenced by only 18% of patients with implant-supported dentures, to enhance quality of life and social integration.

Management of Palatal Defects after Free-Flap Reconstruction and Radiotherapy

Palatal fistulas have significant effects on quality of life. Traditional prosthetic rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction of palate defects in radiation-naïve tissues are well described. However, palatal fistulas developing after initial tumor extirpation, free-flap reconstruction, and adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation are associated with challenging secondary tissue effects. In this review, we will discuss the management of palatal fistulas after surgical reconstruction and radiotherapy.

Delayed axial flaps for coverage of a fourth degree scalp burn

Although free tissue transfers may be required to cover wounds of the head and neck with bone involvement and exposure, options lower on the reconstructive ladder should still be considered during the planning process. We present a case of an elderly gentleman with a history of cardiovascular comorbidity and neck radiotherapy, who sustained a deep flame burn injury to his scalp. Two delayed axial flaps, based on the superficial temporal and supraorbital arteries respectively, were used to obtain durable coverage of this complex wound.

Success and Outcomes Following a Second Salvage Attempt for Free Flap Compromise in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Reconstruction

Importance

Incidence of perioperative free flap compromise is low, with successful salvage in up to 70%. When the flap is compromised a second time, the value of intervening is unknown.

Objective

To assess the outcomes of a second revascularization attempt for compromised free flaps.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter retrospective medical record review included patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with free flaps at 6 US medical centers from January 1, 2000, through December 30, 2020. Patients were 18 years or older with a history of head and neck defects from cancer, osteoradionecrosis, or other wounds. Of 3510 flaps identified, 79 were successfully salvaged once, became compromised a second time, and underwent attempted salvage.

Main Outcome and Measure

Flaps with a history of initial compromise and successful revascularization demonstrating second episodes of compromise followed by second salvage attempts.

Results

A total of 79 patients (mean age, 64 years; 61 [77%] men) were included in the analysis. Of the 79 flaps undergoing second salvage attempts, 24 (30%) survived while 55 (70%) demonstrated necrosis. Arterial or venous thrombectomy was performed in 17 of the 24 (71%) flaps that survived and 23 of the 55 (42%) flaps demonstrating necrosis (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.21-9.47). When venous compromise was encountered, changing the anastomotic vein was associated with decreased survival compared with not changing the vein (29 of 55 [53%] flaps vs 10 of 24 [42%] flaps); vein revision to an alternative branch was completed in 1 of the 24 (4%) flaps that survived and 19 of the 55 (35%) flaps with necrosis (odds ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00-0.60). Factors that were not associated with flap survival following second salvage attempts included flap type, cause of flap failure, postoperative complications, patient comorbidities, and heparin administration after second salvage.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, second salvage was successful in 30% of free flaps. Flaps that underwent arterial or venous thrombectomy demonstrated better survival, while vein revision to neighboring branch veins was associated with worse flap outcomes.