Improving aesthetic outcomes after head and neck reconstruction

Mapping the risk factors, pathogens, and antibiotic of pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients after neck open surgery

PURPOSE

Current literature lacks consensus on risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), and empirical antibiotic guidelines for PCF are limited. The aim of this study was to reduce the incidence of PCF and improve antibiotic treatment efficacy for patients with PCF after open neck surgery by analyzing their clinical characteristics, pathogenic bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility.

METHODS

This study was a 13-year single-center retrospective cohort study, including 699 patients who underwent open neck surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of PCF after surgery. The microbial species causing PCF were analyzed, and the antibiotic sensitivity of the top three pathogens was assessed. Venn diagrams were used to illustrate the antibiotics that exhibited 100% sensitivity against all three identified pathogens.

RESULTS

The incidence of PCF after open neck surgery was 8%. Logistic univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that flap reconstruction (OR = 3.62, 95% CI [2.02-6.52]), history of preoperative radiotherapy (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.31-2.73]), significant postoperative bleeding (OR = 1.79, 95% CI [1.11-2.69]), and history of diabetes (OR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.29-2.46]) were significantly associated with PCF occurrence. Among the 38 cases of PCF patients, the top three identified pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae. The antibiotics cefepime, meropenem, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, and cefoperazone/sulbactam showed 100% sensitivity against these top three pathogens.

CONCLUSION

Special attention should be given to patients undergoing open neck surgery, especially those with intraoperative flap reconstruction, a history of preoperative radiotherapy, postoperative bleeding, or diabetes. Strengthening monitoring and care is crucial in preventing the occurrence of PCF. According to antibiotic usage guidelines and considering the distribution of pathogens in PCF patients, empirical antibiotic treatment with cefoperazone/sulbactam or ticarcillin/clavulanic acid is recommended prior to obtaining susceptibility test results.

Patient-Reported Aesthetic and Psychosocial Outcomes After Microvascular Reconstruction for Head and Neck Cancer

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.

Autologous Fat Grafting for Craniofacial Reconstruction in Oncologic Patients

Due to the anatomical and functional complexity of the region, craniofacial tumor removal requires some of the most challenging surgical approaches, often complemented with advanced chemo-radiotherapy techniques. However, these modern therapies often lead to sequelae that can drastically reduce the quality of life for the surviving patients. Recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine opened new avenues for craniofacial reconstruction following head and neck cancer treatment. One of the most promising recent strategies relies on the use of autologous fat transplant. In this mini review, we briefly present some of the fat’s biological properties that make it an ideal tissue for craniofacial reconstruction following cancer treatment. We then outline the recent advances that led to a better understanding of the detailed anatomy of the craniofacial fat depots. Furthermore, we provide a succinct review of the methods used for fat harvesting, processing and engrafting in the craniofacial area after head and neck tumor removal, discussing their main applications, advantages and limitations.