Influence of radiation therapy on reconstructive flaps after radical resection of head and neck cancer

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

Success rate and healing rate were both reduced when reconstruction was performed after radiotherapy (RT) rather than before.

Main

Wang Z, Qiu W et al. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2003; 32: 35–38

Flap reconstruction (FR) is often undertaken to improve quality of life after removal of advanced head and neck tumours. This study followed 82 patients who received 88 FRs: 14 were after RT, 74 were before. Most tumours (70%) were on the tongue, and 78% of all tumours were squamous cell carcinomata.

Twelve of the 14 flaps receiving preoperative (Pr) RT were successful; one had partial necrosis and one failed; partial necrosis occurred in only one of the 74 flaps where RT was postoperative (Po) (P = 0.03). Healing was good in 9 of the PrRT flaps, and in 70 of those with PoRT, and delayed in all others (P = 0.003). Survival rates in the 2 groups were not significantly different.