Abstract
With an aging population, free flap reconstruction for head and neck cancer ablation in the elderly is becoming more commonplace. In nonagenarians, however, such major operations are still rarely offered due to its physiological demands. We report the first case of successful resection and reconstruction of head and neck cancer with a free perforator flap in a 96 year old patient. We feel that with careful patient and flap selection, careful preoperative workup and close collaboration between treating teams, age alone should not preclude patients from receiving the best possible curative treatment and reconstruction in head and neck cancers. Even in nonagenarians, perforator free flaps, such as the anterolateral thigh flap, can be used safely to achieve good functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Highlights
As the technique of microvascular free tissue transfer become more commonplace in reconstructive surgery, many technical and philosophical boundaries are been challenged by pioneering surgeons
We report the first case of successful resection and reconstruction of head and neck cancer with a free perforator flap in a 96 year old patient
We feel that provided appropriate consideration have been given to patient selection, flap selection and perioperative care, free tissue transfer can be safely performed in this population
Summary
As the technique of microvascular free tissue transfer become more commonplace in reconstructive surgery, many technical and philosophical boundaries are been challenged by pioneering surgeons. Free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction remain a technique often avoided due to a real or perceived concern regarding medical fitness and risks of complication. Increasing numbers of studies have shown free tissue transfer to be a safe technique in the elderly. We feel that provided appropriate consideration have been given to patient selection, flap selection and perioperative care, free tissue transfer can be safely performed in this population
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