Microsurgical neck reconstruction in an elderly patient

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of dermatological malignancies increases with age and a considerable percentage of older adults will require radical surgeries and adjuvant treatments, microsurgery allows repair and coverage of major defects with success rates of up to 90%. Case Report: We present the case of an elderly patient with an ulcer in the left clavicular region without evidence of healing. Histological and imaging studies were performed, a basal cell carcinoma subtype morphea was found. A wide excision and axillary lymph node dissection were performed, subsequently covering the defect with a free flap. There is an 11-year follow-up. Conclusion: Complications in microsurgical reconstructions are more associated with comorbidities than with the age of the patient. The same success rates can be obtained in elderly patients.