Free fibula flap: assessment of quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer who have had defects reconstructed

Implications of the composite free flap harvest site on quality of life after head and neck surgery: a prospective series

Quality of life (QOL) has become a primary determinant of the treatment outcome. There is a poor evidence base regarding the QOL implications of free flap harvest from the various different osseous composite donor sites. This prospective study assessed the impact of free flap harvest on QOL and compared QOL morbidity between fibula, scapula, and iliac crest (deep circumflex iliac artery; DCIA) donor sites in head and neck reconstructive surgery. This was a single-site prospective cohort clinical research study. Fifty-nine patients were recruited between 2017 and 2021; 30 underwent fibula flap reconstructive surgery, 17 scapula flap, and 12 DCIA flap. The patients were assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4 (UW-QOL v4) preoperatively and again at >12 months postoperatively. The results showed no significant change in the mean global QOL score postoperatively when compared to the preoperative baseline in any of the donor site groups. However, the mean postoperative scores for the appearance domain were significantly lower than the preoperative scores in all of the donor site groups. In addition, fibula flap patients had significantly reduced physical activity and recreation QOL domain scores postoperatively when compared to the preoperative scores.

Quality of Life after Mandibular Reconstruction Using Free Fibula Flap and Customized Plates: A Case Series and Comparison with the Literature

A single-center retrospective study was conducted to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 23 consecutive patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction using the computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology, free fibula flap, and titanium patient-specific implants (PSIs). HRQoL was evaluated after at least 12 months of surgery using the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire for head and neck cancer patients. In the 12 single question domains, the highest mean scores were found for "taste" (92.9), "shoulder" (90.9), "anxiety" (87.5), and "pain" (86.4), whereas the lowest scores were observed for "chewing" (57.1), "appearance" (67.9), and "saliva" (78.1). In the three global questions of the UW-QOL questionnaire, 80% of patients considered that their HRQoL was as good as or even better than it was compared to their HRQoL before cancer, and only 20% reported that their HRQoL had worsened after the presence of the disease. Overall QoL during the past 7 days was rated as good, very good or outstanding by 81% of patients, respectively. No patient reported poor or very poor QoL. In the present study, restoring mandibular continuity with free fibula flap and patient-specific titanium implants designed with the CAD-CAM technology improved HRQoL.

Comparison Between Radial Forearm Free Flap and Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction in Oral Cavity Cancer Patients: Assessment of the Quality of Life

ABSTRACT

We aimed to evaluate the quality of life of Chinese patients after immediate reconstruction surgery on individuals with oral cavity cancer. In addition, we compared the differences between radial forearm free flap and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Using the University of Washington quality of life v4 questionnaire, 1:1 matched research was performed on patients received PMM or RFF flap. Chi-square test was used to analyze the variables. One hundred twenty four of 179 questionnaires were returned (69.3%). Age, N stage, and postoperative radiotherapy were similar for both groups. However, there were significant differences between two groups in gender, T stage, operation duration, and complication rate. Oral cavity cancer patients reconstructed with radial forearm free flap had better shoulder and speech functions but worse appearance domains. The results of our research provide important information for patients and physicians during their discussion of treatment programs for oral cavity cancers.

The role of folded fibular flap in patients' reconstruction of mandibular defects: a retrospective clinical study

This study has analyzed 41 patients with mandibular ameloblastoma who underwent a partial mandibulectomy and reconstruction by folding the free fibular flap. In the preoperative and postoperative (6 months and 24 months after surgery), the Quality of Life (QOL) of these patients was assessed by using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) and the medical outcome study short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires. SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used to conduct statistical analysis on the base data of the two groups of patients. Independent sample t test was conducted for sf-36 and UW-QOL scores at two time points in each group. The SF-36 survey showed that body pain (54.54 ± 8.10), general health (55.27 ± 7.54), and health changes (58.29 ± 9.60) decreased significantly at 6 months after surgery, but the mean score at 24 months after surgery all exceeded the preoperational level. At 24 months after the surgery, the vitality (80.41 ± 3.74), social function (81.61 ± 4.07), emotional role (82.39 ± 4.07), psychological health (81.66 ± 4.37) and total score (704.00 ± 31.53) all returned to the preoperative level, which was statistically significant compared with 6 months after surgery. However, there was no significant difference compared with the preoperative level. The UW-QOL survey showed that chewing (56.68 ± 7.23), speech (54.54 ± 7.7) and taste (62.29 ± 10.15) have significantly changed at 6 months after the surgery, and the difference was statistically significant at 24 months after surgery. Saliva generation decreased slightly (80.76 ± 3.35) at 6 months after surgery, but quickly returned to the preoperative level (81.59 ± 4.06). The total score of the patients almost recovered to the preoperative level at 24 months after surgery. The folded the fibular flap can not only repair the defects of soft tissue and bone tissue, but also restore the height of the alveolar ridge to, avoid the imbalance of crown and root ratio after implantation and reduce the occurrence of peri-implant inflammation, so that a true functional reconstruction can be realized.

Long-term functional outcomes of vascularized fibular and iliac flap for mandibular reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

To date, there is a lack of evidence related to the long-term evaluation of recipient-site functional outcomes following mandibular reconstruction with vascularized bone grafts. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the long-term recipient-site functional outcomes in oral oncology patients who require mandibular reconstruction with either vascularized fibular flap (VFF) or vascularized iliac flap (VIF).

METHODS

An extensive electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases for identifying articles published until April 2020. All papers were dual screened for eligibility in accordance with the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the MINORS tool. A meta-analysis of functional outcome parameters was performed to estimate single incidence rates.

RESULTS

A total of 257 patients with a mean follow-up period of 38.6 ± 19.5 months were included in this meta-analysis, where 174 patients underwent VFF reconstruction and 83 patients involved reconstruction with VIF. The functional outcomes in patients reconstructed with VIF showed improved scoring for mastication, deglutition, diet, and speech. Speech showed highest score among all functional parameters, whereas, mastication was the most poorly recovered parameter in relation to reconstruction with both flaps. No significant difference in functional outcomes was observed between both flaps.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence seems to indicate that VIF offers improved long-term recipient-site functional outcomes. Yet, considering a high level of data heterogeneity in published studies, future long-term standardized comparative studies should be conducted.

Factors impacting successful salvage of the failing free flap

BACKGROUND

Understanding factors impacting successful salvage of a compromised free flap.

METHODS

Multi-institutional review of free flap reconstructions for head and neck defects (n = 1764).

RESULTS

Free flap compromise rate: 9% (n = 162); 46% salvaged (n = 74). Higher salvage rates in initial 48 hours (64%) vs after (30%; P < .001). Greater compromise (14%) and failure (8%) if inset challenging vs straightforward (6% compromise, 4% failure; P = .035). Greater compromise (23%) and failure (17%) following intraoperative anastomosis revision vs no revision (7% compromise, 4% failure; P < .0001). Success following arterial insufficiency was lower (60% failed, 40% salvaged) vs venous congestion (23% failed, 77% salvaged) (P < .0001). Greater flap salvage following thrombectomy (66%) vs no thrombectomy (34%; P < .0001). Greater flap salvage if operative duration ≤8 hours (57%), vs >8 hours (40%) (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

There were higher rates of free flap salvage if the vascular compromise occurred within 48 hours, if due to venous congestion, if operative duration ≤8 hours, and if the anastomosis did not require intraoperative revision.

Shift in the timing of microvascular free tissue transfer failures in head and neck reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the cause and significance of a shift in the timing of free flap failures in head and neck reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective multi-institutional review of prospectively collected databases at tertiary care centers.

METHODS

Included consecutive patients undergoing free flap reconstructions of head and neck defects between 2007 and 2017. Selected variables: demographics, defect location, donor site, free flap failure cause, social and radiation therapy history.

RESULTS

Overall free flap failure rate was 4.6% (n = 133). Distribution of donor tissue by flap failure: radial forearm (32%, n = 43), osteocutaneous radial forearm (6%, n = 8), anterior lateral thigh (23%, n = 31), fibula (23%, n = 30), rectus abdominis (4%, n = 5), latissimus (11%, n = 14), scapula (1.5%, n = 2). Forty percent of flap failures occurred in the initial 72 hours following reconstruction (n = 53). The mean postoperative day for flap failure attributed to venous congestion was 4.7 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6-6.7) versus 6.8 days (CI 5.3-8.3) for arterial insufficiency and 16.6 days (CI 11.7-21.5) for infection (P < .001). The majority of flap failures were attributed to compromise of the arterial or venous system (84%, n = 112). Factors found to affect the timing of free flap failure included surgical indication (P = .032), defect location (P = .006), cause of the flap failure (P < .001), and use of an osteocutaneous flap (P = .002).

CONCLUSION

This study is the largest to date on late free flap failures with findings suggesting a paradigm shift in the timing of flap failures. Surgical indication, defect site, cause of flap failure, and use of osteocutaneous free flap were found to impact timing of free flap failures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:347-353, 2020.

Evaluation of Anatomic Variations of Fibula Free Flap in Human Fresh Cadavers

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of the head and neck defects is still one of the most challenging surgeries for the surgeons. This study investigated on anatomic variations of fibula free flap in human fresh cadavers.

METHODS

Twenty fibula free flaps harvested from 10 fresh human corpses were enrolled. The number and type of skin perforators and their origin were recorded during the flap harvesting. After the completion of flap harvesting, the length of vascular pedicle and diameter of the artery and vein at the origin, the fibula length, the distance of the head of fibula to the site of peroneal artery bifurcation and harvesting time were also recorded.

RESULTS

The fibula free flaps were performed on 2 women and 8 men with the mean age of 35.6 years. The average number of perforators per flap was 1.7, most of which were musculocutaneous (35.29%) from soleus muscle. The mean fibula length was 33.1 (range: 31-35) cm. The mean distance of the head of fibula to the site of peroneal artery bifurcation from the tibialis posterior trunk was 5.76 (range: 4.5-6.5) cm. The mean length of the pedicle flap was 11.15 (range: 10-13) cm. The mean diameters of the peroneal artery and vein at the origin were 2.83 and 51.5 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although the fibula osteocutaneous flap is a reliable choice for maxillofacial reconstruction, flap harvesting is fairly difficult. Accordingly, surgeons must be aware of anatomical variations of the flap and have a suitable case selection to minimize the risk of surgical complications.

A systematic review of validated tools assessing functional and aesthetic outcomes following fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible

BACKGROUND

Segmental mandibulectomy impairs health-related quality of life (QoL), by altering speech, mastication, swallowing, and facial aesthetics. Fibula free flap (FFF) used for mandible reconstruction is known to improve outcomes; however, minimal information exists in the literature regarding patient-reported outcomes. We aim to assess how current studies evaluate patient perception following segmental mandibulectomy and FFF mandible reconstruction.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a search was conducted for publications involving FFF mandible reconstruction from 2005 to 2017 using PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychInfo.

RESULTS

Of 2212 articles identified initially, only 7 studies were deemed suitable. Six studies used the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire, 3 Oral Health Impact Profile, and 1 used European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck (EORTC-H&N35).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a paucity of information in published reports on QoL outcomes following mandible reconstruction with FFF. In the era of patient-centered health care, observations warrant attention from researchers for physician-assessed patient-reported measures to factor in QoL expectation during surgical decision-making about the choice of reconstruction.

Reporting of Cosmesis in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To identify the method and rate at which cosmesis is reported after reconstruction from head and neck surgery among adults.

DATA SOURCES

A medical librarian implemented search strategies in multiple databases for head and neck reconstruction, outcome assessment/patient satisfaction, and cosmesis/appearance.

REVIEW METHODS

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture studies examining adults undergoing reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery with assessment of postoperative cosmesis. The primary outcome was the method to assess cosmesis. Secondary outcomes were types of instruments used and the rate at which results were reported. Validated instruments used in these studies were compared and critically assessed.

RESULTS

The search identified 4405 abstracts, and 239 studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 43% (n = 103) used a scale or questionnaire to quantify the cosmetic outcome: 28% (n = 66), a visual analog, Likert, or other scale; 13% (n = 30), a patient questionnaire; and 3% (n = 7), both. Of the 103 studies that used an instrument, 14% (n = 14, 6% overall) used a validated instrument. The most common validated instrument was the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) questionnaire (4%, n = 9). The most highly rated instruments were the UWQOL and the Derriford Appearance Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Reporting of cosmetic outcomes after head and neck cancer reconstruction is heterogeneous. Most studies did not report patient feedback, and a minority used a validated instrument to quantify outcomes. To reduce bias, improve reliability, and decrease heterogeneity, we recommend the UWQOL to study cosmetic outcomes after head and neck reconstruction.

Burden of cancer pain in developing countries: a narrative literature review

Cancer pain is one of the most common, feared, debilitating, and often undertreated symptoms among cancer patients. It needs attention since it has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of the patients. Also, since cancer has emerged as a major health problem in developing countries, there is a need to strengthen preventive strategies for effective cancer pain management and provide comfort to cancer patients. Nonetheless, various barriers limit developing countries toward optimal cancer pain management. To bridge the gap between adequate pain management and burden of cancer pain in developing countries, a comprehensive understanding of the limitations faced and the prevalence of cancer pain should be addressed. The aim of this literature review is to provide a deeper understanding on the factors associated with cancer pain as well as barriers toward optimal cancer pain management in developing countries. Some of the barriers addressed were administrative, judicial, economic, and professional barriers. Also, estimates on the prevalence of cancer pain and detrimental effects of pain on the QoL of cancer patients have been addressed. In summary, pain, which is one of the most debilitating symptoms of cancer, remains uncontrolled and undertreated in developing countries. It has a profound impact on the patient’s QoL and can have physical, psychological, and social consequences; therefore, it needs to be managed urgently and appropriately. Most importantly, optimal treatment of cancer pain should be highlighted as a priority in developing countries and concerted efforts should be made to eliminate different barriers discussed in this review for effective and humane care.

Subjective morbidity following fibular free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of subjective post-operative donor site morbidity after fibula free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients, utilising three validated instruments: the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire and the Lower Limb Core Scale.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, all head and neck cancer patients who underwent fibula free flap reconstruction between January 2009 and July 2014 were identified. All questionnaires and their respective subcomponents were scored.

RESULTS

Twenty-one cases were included. Patients were found to have a higher Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment bothersome index (22.42 vs 13.77, p = 0.03), a lower Short Form 36 Health Survey Physical Component Summary score (42.44 vs 50, p < 0.01) and a decreased Lower Limb Core Scale score (47.08 vs 90.52, p < 0.01), compared to US population norms. The Short Form 36 Health Survey Mental Component Summary scores and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment function index failed to demonstrate significant differences. Gender affected overall disability.

CONCLUSION

In this study, significant long-term disability was demonstrated after fibular flap reconstruction, as measured by the Lower Limb Core Scale.

Perioperative considerations in free flap surgery: A review of pressors and anticoagulation

Given the high stakes for microvascular reconstruction, the majority of reconstructive surgeons have developed paradigms for pre, intra, and postoperative management that have proven to result in individual high success rates. Much has been done to identify and avoid perioperative factors that could potentially increase flap failure rates. Two example of this practice has been the generalized use of anticoagulation in free tissue transfer and the prohibition against vasopressor use in patients that are undergoing free tissue transfer. This manuscript will discuss these issues.

Body image: a critical psychosocial issue for patients with head and neck cancer

Increasing attention is being given to evaluating and treating body image difficulties of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Head and neck cancer significantly alters physical appearance and bodily functioning and therefore directly impacts body image. Research involving body image in head and neck cancer patients is growing, and this review considers published findings from 2013 to 2014. Primary attention is given to discussing recent advancements in body image assessment, qualitative studies, descriptive research, and psychosocial intervention studies relevant to body image. Limitations and necessary advancements in this field are noted, and a commentary is provided on the state of the current literature.