HN01 TEN YEAR REVIEW OF HEAD AND NECK FREE FLAP SURGERY IN AUCKLAND

Abstract

Purpose: Free tissue transfer, pioneered in late 1970s, revolutionized reconstruction of defects created by surgical extirpation of head and neck cancers. Over the subsequent decades an enormous experience with these techniques has been gained. We report our experience of head and neck free flap reconstruction at Auckland Head and Neck unit.Methodology: Operative and clinical notes of all head and neck free flap reconstructions from Jan 1999 to 2008 were reviewed. The techniques, flap survival and complications are discussed.Results: During the ten year period, total of 320 free flap reconstructions were performed for 294 patients. Of these, 16 patients had two flaps, five patients had three flaps, and these were performed for recurrence of disease, flap losses, and complex defects. Radial forearm flaps were most commonly performed to reconstruct soft tissue defects, particularly in oral cavity defects; whereas bony defects were most commonly reconstructed with fibular flaps. Postoperatively 19 patients (5.9%) were explored for vascular compromise with 84% salvage rate. 14 flap (4.4%) loss was reported, total loss in 8 flaps, the overall flap survival rate was 95.6%.Conclusion: Free flap reconstruction have been performed with high standard at Auckland Head and Neck unit, our results are comparable to other international units.