Free Flap Outcomes Research Articles

Introduction and preliminary application report for a novel 3D printed perforator navigator for fibular flap surgery

The aim of this study was to introduce and report on a 3D-printed perforator navigator and its clinical application.Integrated imaging and 3D printing techniques were employed for the design and manufacture of a perforator navigator. Key techniques included establishing a digital image coordinate system, localizing perforator fascia piercing points, creating a reference plane for the perforator course, and projecting the perforator course onto the body surface.All cases of maxillofacial defect repaired with free fibular myocutaneous flaps, from January 2019 to January 2022, were reinvestigated. Patients treated using traditional perforator localization methods were assigned into group Ⅰ, while those who had a navigator used during treatment were allocated to group Ⅱ. Outcome measurements included perforator positioning accuracy, perforator preparation time (PT), and flap growth score. Capillary refilling time and degree of flap swelling were recorded on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days after surgery. On the 10th day after surgery, the flap survival situation was graded.In total, 25 patients were included in the study. Perforator preparation time for group Ⅱ was significantly less (p ＝ 0.04) than for group Ⅰ (1038.6 ± 195.4 s versus 1271.4 ± 295.1 s. In group Ⅱ, the mean positioning deviation for the perforator navigator was 2.12 cm less than that for the high-frequency color Doppler (p ＝ 0.001). Group Ⅱ also had a higher score than group Ⅰ for overall flap growth evaluation (nonparametric rank sum test, p ＝ 0.04).Within the scale of the study, it seems that perforator localization and navigation using a 3D-printed navigator is technically feasible, and helps to improve the clinical outcome of free fibular flaps. The perforator navigator will play a useful role in displaying the perforator course, improving the accuracy of perforator localization, reducing surgical injury, and ultimately enhancing flap success rate.

Reevaluating Thrombocytosis as a Risk Factor in Free Flap Surgery

Introduction Thrombocytosis, defined as a platelet count >400,000, has been implicated as a risk factor in free flap failure. Despite proposed mechanisms of pedicle thrombosis, recent studies have suggested that thrombocytosis has no effect on free tissue transfer viability. Risk factors that may compromise successful free tissue transfer should be understood and elucidated, with particular attention to thrombocytosis and its conflicting evidence in the literature. We hypothesize that thrombocytosis has no bearing on free flap success or the rates of pedicle thrombosis. Methods Our institution performed a retrospective chart review on all patients who underwent free flap reconstruction over the past 6 years. Patient demographics, medical history, type and location of free tissue transfer, preoperative platelets, postoperative platelets, and flap outcomes and complications (wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, seroma, and need for blood transfusion) were recorded. Independent t test, Mann-Whitney U tests, χ 2 test, and Fisher exact tests were used to determine P values to compare flap outcomes in patients with thrombocytosis (platelet count >400,000) and those with platelet counts less than 400,000. Results In our 502-patient cohort, 71 were found to have a platelet count >400,000 (35 preoperatively and 36 postoperatively) and 431 patients had platelet counts <400,000. There were 42 reconstructive failures (flap success rate of 91.6%) and 111 returns to the operating room (OR). For patients with postoperative thrombocytosis, 24 flaps returned to the OR (44.4%), whereas in patients without thrombocytosis, 87 flaps returned to the OR (19.4%; P < 0.001). In patients with postoperative thrombocytosis, 10 OR returns were due to pedicle venous thrombosis (18.5%), in comparison to 10 returns for venous thrombosis in those with normal platelets (2.2%; P < 0.001). There was a small difference in free flap success rates between those with postoperative thrombocytosis and normal platelets, 88.7% versus 92.11%; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.71). The thrombocytosis group had a higher incidence of overall postoperative complications (P = 0.002). Conclusions Thrombocytosis has historically been cited as a risk factor for free flap reconstruction failure with recent conflicting evidence in the literature. In patients with postoperative thrombocytosis, we found an increased risk of venous thrombosis; however, this did not result in increased flap failure. There was an increase in postoperative complications, which corresponds with National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data reported in the literature. We suspect that thrombocytosis is not a harbinger of free flap failure but rather a marker for overall inflammation, which may confer a higher rate of venous thrombosis requiring reoperation and postoperative complications.

Microvascular Free Flap Outcomes in Maxillectomy Defects from Invasive Fungal Sinusitis.

Microvascular free tissue transfer is routinely used for reconstructing midface defects in patients with malignancy, however, studies regarding reconstructive outcomes in invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) are lacking. We aim to describe outcomes of free flap reconstruction for IFS defects, determine the optimal time to perform reconstruction, and if anti-fungal medications or other risk factors of an immunocompromised patient population affect reconstructive outcomes. Retrospective review of reconstruction for IFS (2010-2022). Age, BMI, hemoglobin A1c, number of surgical debridements, and interval from the last debridement to reconstruction were compared between patients with delayed wound healing versus those without. Predictor variables for delayed wound healing and the effect of time on free flap reconstruction were analyzed. Twenty-seven patients underwent free flap reconstruction for IFS. Three patients were immunocompromised from leukemia and 21 had diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients underwent an average of four surgical debridements for treatment of IFS. The interval from the last IFS debridement to flap reconstruction was 5.58 months (±5.5). Seven flaps (25.9%) had delayed wound healing. A shorter interval of less than 2 months between the last debridement for IFS and reconstructive free flap procedure was associated with delayed wound healing (Fisher Exact Test p = 0.0062). Other factors including DM, BMI, HgA1c, and bone reconstruction were not associated with delayed wound healing. Patients with maxillectomy defects from IFS can undergo microvascular-free flap reconstruction with good outcomes while on anti-fungal medication. Early reconstruction in the first 2 months after the last IFS debridement is associated with delayed wound healing. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1642-1647, 2024.

Versatility and outcomes of lateral arm free flap in head and neck reconstruction: a retrospective case series study of our experiences and innovations

ObjectivesThe Lateral Arm Free Flap (LAFF) offers advantageous features like variable thickness and minimal hair growth. LAFF is primarily used in orofacial and pharyngeal reconstructions, with limited reports on tracheal/esophageal applications. Also, the psychological prognosis and quality of life in patients with LAFF reconstruction are lacking. MethodsThis retrospective case series presents outcomes of LAFF reconstruction for head and neck surgical defects which included 19 patients. The disease type, location of reconstruction, TNM staging, tumor size, chemoradiation status, anxiety, depression, quality of life and detailed perioperative information of the LAFF reconstruction surgery were presented in a descriptive pattern. Subgroup analysis was conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Pearson r test. ResultsAll 19 patients (100%) had a viable flap after surgery with 5 (26.3%) of them developed flap-related complication. Patients with oropharyngeal reconstruction were more likely to have lower anxiety and depression score and higher quality of life than those with below-oropharyngeal reconstruction. However, no significant p-value was generated in any subgroup comparison or correlation test. And the application of LAFF in esophageal and tracheal reconstruction was proved to be successful. ConclusionsThe lateral arm free flap exhibits remarkable versatility and multifunctionality, providing advantageous outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. Level of evidenceLevel 4 according to OCEBM.

Outcomes of Head and Neck Free Tissue Transfer in Renal Failure Patients.

To assess if there is increased risk of free flap failure in renal failure patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction. We seek to primarily assess free flap outcomes based on stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and secondarily determine increased risk for postoperative complications. Retrospective chart review was performed at five tertiary care centers. Patients were identified that had undergone microvascular free flap reconstruction of the head and neck with diagnosis of renal failure, classified as Stage 3 CKD or higher. Demographic data was collected. Outcomes in the postoperative period were examined. Seventy-three patients met inclusion criteria. The average patient age was 69 years with a male predominance (n = 48). The majority of patients had CKD Stage 3 (n = 52). Overall flap failure rate was 12.33% (n = 9, CKD stage 3 = 7.69%, CKD stage 4 = 30%, CKD stage 5 = 18%). There was an increased risk of flap failure on multivariate analysis for CKD stage 4/5 patients when compared to CKD 3 patients (p = 0.0095). When compared to matched controls, there was an increased risk of flap failure in CKD patients (p = 0.01) as well as an increased risk of overall complications (p < 0.0001). Patients with CKD undergoing head and neck reconstruction are at a higher risk of flap failure and overall complications. When comparing CKD stages there may be increased risk of flap failure in later stages of CKD compared to CKD 3. Appropriate patient counseling is recommended pre-operatively in this patient population with consideration for regional flaps in the appropriate patient. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:688-694, 2024.

Surgical outcomes of suprafascial and subfascial radial forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Conventional radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs) are known to be safe, but can result in donor site complications. Based on our experiences with suprafascial and subfascial RFFFs, we evaluated the safety of flap survival and surgical outcomes. This was a retrospective study of head and neck reconstructions using RFFFs from 2006 to 2021. Thirty-two patients underwent procedures using either subfascial (group A) or suprafascial (group B) dissection for flap elevation. Data were collected on patient characteristics, flap size, and donor and recipient complications, and the two groups were compared. Thirteen of the 32 patients were in group A and 19 were in group B. Group A included 10 men and three women, with a mean age of 56.15 years, and group B included 16 men and three women, with a mean age of 59.11 years. The mean defect areas were 42.83 cm² and 33.32 cm², and the mean flap sizes were 50.96 cm² and 44.54 cm² in groups A and B, respectively. There were 13 donor site complications: eight (61.5%) in group A and five (26.3%) in group B. Flexor tendon exposure occurred in three patients in group A and in none in group B. All flaps survived completely. A recipient site complication occurred in two patients (15.4%) in group A and three patients (15.8%) in group B. Complications and flap survival were similar between the two groups. However, tendon exposure at the donor site was less prevalent in the suprafascial group, and the treatment period was shorter. Based on our data, suprafascial RFFF is a reliable and safe procedure for reconstruction of the head and neck.

Clinical outcomes following intraoperative pedicle disruption in fibula free flaps.

Iatrogenic injury of the fibula free flap pedicle is rare. Postoperative flap survival and reconstructive outcomes following intraoperative pedicle severance are unknown. This study assesses free flap outcomes following accidental severance of the peroneal vessels. Multi-institutional retrospective chart review from 2000 to 2020. Of 2975 harvested fibula free flaps, 26 had a history of pedicle severance during surgical reconstruction. Reasons for intraoperative pedicle severance included transection during muscular dissection 10/26 (39%), accidental severance with the bone saw 12/26 (46%), and other 4/26 (15.6%). The surgeon responsible for pedicle severance included residents 5/26 (19%), fellows 10/26 (39%), attendings 10/26 (39%), and unknown 1/26 (3.9%). The pedicle artery and vein were severed 10/26 (39%), artery 8/26 (31%), and vein 8/26 (31%). Truncated pedicle vessels were used 3/26 (11.7%), intraoperative anastomoses were performed 23/26 (89%). Postoperative revision in the OR within 7 days of surgery was required 6/26 (23%); 4 flaps were salvaged and 2 flaps failed, both arterial thrombosis. Flap failure was attributed to vascular thrombosis. Long-term flap survival and successful reconstructions were reported 24/26 (92%). Accidental severance of fibula free flap pedicle vessels can be corrected with intraoperative repair, without affecting long-term flap survival or reconstructive outcomes. Protecting the flap vessels while using the bone saw and during intramuscular dissection prevents accidental severance.

D27. Effect of Postoperative Anticoagulation Regimen on Lower Extremity Free Flap Outcomes

PURPOSE: Free flap reconstruction for lower extremity (LE) trauma has a higher failure rate than in other anatomic regions. Anticoagulation selection in the immediate postoperative period may influence free flap outcomes. This study evaluates complication rates associated with varying anticoagulation protocols among LE free flap reconstruction. METHODS: Patients with LE trauma with free flap reconstruction from 2016-2021 were included for retrospective chart review. Complications were divided into major (hematoma, flap thrombosis, flap necrosis >10%, infection requiring reoperation) and minor (wound dehiscence, flap necrosis <10%, infection treated with antibiotic alone) categories. Patients were categorized into 4 groups based on postoperative anticoagulation regimen (aspirin, heparin drip, aspirin + heparin drip, and DVT-prophylaxis only). Complication rates were compared between each group. Univariate analysis was performed using ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Multivariable analysis was performed with a generalized linear model to predict any major complications. P values were set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Of 199 patients, 18.6% received aspirin only, 38.2% received heparin drip only, 39.2% received aspirin + heparin drip, and 4.0% received DVT prophylaxis only. Demographics were similar between the groups. Major complication rates were negatively correlated with the aspirin group (p=0.001) and the heparin drip group (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: In patients with LE free tissue transfer after acute trauma, postoperative use of aspirin only or heparin drip only results in fewer complications than aspirin + heparin drip or DVT-prophylaxis alone.

D100. Radiate The Flap or Expander? The Impact of Post-Mastectomy Radiation Timing on Overall Outcomes after Autologous Free Flap Breast Reconstruction

PURPOSE: Optimal timing of post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in autologous breast reconstruction is controversial. Our study compares overall reconstructive outcomes in patients requiring post-mastectomy radiation therapy where either the expander or the free flap was radiated. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent free flap breast reconstruction and post-mastectomy radiation from January 2004 through January 2021. Demographic, intraoperative, and post-operative variables were recorded. RESULTS: 452 free flaps were identified, and 82 underwent PMRT. 59.8% were radiated with an expander prior to free flap surgery (PreDIEP), and 40.2% flaps underwent PMRT (PostDIEP). PostDIEP patients were significantly younger (43.0 vs 47.9years, p=0.016). Radiation was performed 454.0±231.3 days prior to DIEP, versus 220.3±325.9 days after DIEP (p=0.000). There were no significant differences in free flap outcomes between the two cohorts including thrombosis, venous congestion, flap loss, takebacks, fat necrosis, seroma, or infection. However, there were significantly more total reconstructive complications, including infection and wound breakdown, experienced by the PreDIEP cohort (46.9% versus 24.2%, p=0.038). Mean follow up after DIEP was 1.9 years. CONCLUSION: Timing of PMRT did not impact free flap outcomes, but those who had the expander radiated experienced significantly more complications overall. For the 30.6% of patients in the preDIEP group who always intended to undergo autologous reconstruction, radiation after flap may have improved their overall outcomes. As added complications cause delays in cancer therapy and final reconstruction, our results suggest that PMRT of the flap when possible may improve the overall experience for breast cancer patients.

Outcomes of Free vs Local Flaps for Reconstruction of the Middle Third Leg in Lower Extremity Trauma

Journal of the American College of Surgeons 236(5):p S90, May 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/01.XCS.0000933068.71952.79

Comparison of Free Flap Outcomes at a University Hospital versus County Hospital Setting for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Introduction Patients at public county hospitals often have poorer access to healthcare with advanced disease on presentation. These factors, along with limited resources at county hospitals, may have an impact on outcomes for patients requiring complex head and neck reconstruction. Objective To delineate differences in the frequency of complications in two different care settings, a public county hospital and a private university hospital. Methods Retrospective review of otolaryngology patients at a university hospital compared with a publicly-funded county hospital. The main outcome measure was major complications including total flap loss or unplanned reoperation in 30 days. Secondary outcome measures included medical complications, partial flap loss, and unplanned hospital readmission in 30 days. Results In the county hospital sample ( n = 58) free flap failure or reoperation occurred in 20.7% of the patients, and minor complications, in 36.2% of the patients. In the university hospital sample ( n = 65) flap failure or reoperation occurred in 9.2% of the patients, and minor complications, in 12.3% of the patients. Patients at the private hospital who had surgery in the oropharynx were least likely to have minor complications. Conclusion Patients at the county hospital had a higher but not statistically significant difference in flap failure and reoperation than those at a university hospital, although the county hospital experienced more minor postoperative complications. This is likely multifactorial, and may be related to poorer access to primary care preoperatively, malnutrition, poorly controlled or undiagnosed medical comorbidities, and differences in hospital resources.

Outcomes of Local Versus Free Flaps for Reconstruction of the Proximal One-Third of the Leg.

Reconstruction of the proximal one-third of the leg often requires soft tissue transfer to facilitate limb salvage. Tissue transfers are usually local or free flaps depending on wound dimensions, location, and surgeon preference. Historically, the proximal third of the leg was covered with pedicle flaps, but recently, we have used more free flaps in this position. Using data from a level 1 trauma center, we sought to evaluate outcomes of surgical management of proximal-third leg reconstruction across local and free flaps. This is an institutional review board-approved, retrospective chart review undertaken at LAC + USC Medical Center from 2007 to 2021. Patient history, demographics, flap characteristics, Gustilo-Anderson fracture classification, and outcomes were collected and analyzed in an internal database. Outcomes of interest included flap failure rates, postoperative complications, and long-term ambulatory status. Among 394 lower extremity flaps placed, 122 flaps involved the proximal-third leg across 102 patients. Average age of patients was 42.8 ± 15.2 years; of note, the free flap cohort was significantly younger than the local flap cohort (P = 0.019). Ten local flaps suffered from infectious complications: osteomyelitis (n = 6) and hardware infection (n = 4), versus only 1 free flap that suffered from hardware infection; notably, these differences were not significant across cohorts. Free flaps had significantly more flap revisions (13.3%; P = 0.039) and overall flap complications (20.0%; P = 0.031) compared with local flaps; however, partial flap necrosis (4.9%) and flap loss (3.3%) were not significantly different across cohorts. Overall flap survival was 96.7%, and full ambulation was achieved in 42.2% of patients without significant differences across cohorts. Our evaluation of proximal-third leg wounds demonstrates fewer infectious outcomes with free flaps compared with local flaps. There are multiple confounding variables; however, this finding may speak to the reliability of a robust free flap. Overall, there was no significant difference in patient comorbidities across flap cohorts with great overall flap survival. Ultimately, flap selection did not affect rates of flap necrosis, flap loss, or final ambulatory status.

Free versus Pedicled Flaps for Lower Limb Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Introduction: Lower limb reconstruction is a complex task requiring expertise from a plastic surgeon. Free and pedicled flaps are valuable surgical strategies but evidence comparing both technique is scarce. Our aim is to synthetise all studies comparing outcomes between each flap type by conducting a meta-analysis to identify post-operative outcomes. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and world of science was conducted aiming at articles comparing outcomes of free versus pedicled flaps in lower limb reconstruction. Pooled analysis was conducted using the Mantel and Haenszel method with random effect analysis. Differences in outcomes were expressed as risk ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Ten retrospective studies met the selection criteria. While flap necrosis rate did not differ significantly between techniques (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.76-2.39, p = 0.31), partial flap necrosis rate was significantly lower in free flaps (RR 0.45, 95%CI 0.22-0.91, p = 0.03). Overall complication rate (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.64-1.07, p = 0.16), and revision surgery rate (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.55-3.50, p = 0.49) did not differ significantly between free and pedicled flaps. No significant difference was found in high aesthetic satisfaction rate (RR 1.76, 95% CI 0.57-5.41, p = 0.32) and post-operative infection rate (RR 0.85, 95%CI 0.55-1.33, p = 0.48). Conclusion: Despite important variability in the choice of flaps and outcomes reported among studies, free and pedicled flaps appear to be reliable surgical strategies in lower limb reconstruction with similar surgical outcomes.

Swallowing analysis in hemi-tongue reconstruction using motor-innervated free flaps: A cine-magnetic resonance imaging study.

This study aimed to explore the outcomes of motor-innervated free flaps in hemi-tongue reconstruction by assessing the tongue mobility through midsagittal images from cine-magnetic resonance imaging. In this retrospective study, 47 patients who underwent tongue reconstruction following hemi-glossectomy and 10 control subjects without any surgical history were included. Patients were classified into two groups: the motor and no-motor innervation group. Various spatial parameters related to tongue mobility that were acquired from midsagittal sections were compared during consecutive swallowing phases. Overall, the motor group showed improved functional swallowing scale compared with the no-motor group. In case of tongue base resection, the motor group showed improved mobility of the tongue base during pharyngeal phase, whereas the no-motor group showed increased laryngeal elevation for compensatory movement. The tongue reconstruction with motor-innervated free flaps may facilitate swallowing capacity in patients with a hemi-tongue defect combined with tongue base resection.

Effect of Perioperative Antithrombotics on Head and Neck Microvascular Free Flap Survival After Anastomotic Revision.

To determine if antithrombotic therapy improves head and neck microvascular free flap survival following anastomotic revision. A retrospective review of all patients with microvascular free tissue transfer to the head and neck between August 2013 and July 2021. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Departments at University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Colorado, and University of California Irvine. Perioperative use of anticoagulation, antiplatelets, intraoperative heparin bolus, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and vasopressor use, and leech therapy were collected plus microvascular free flap outcomes. The primary endpoint was free flap failure. Analyses of free flaps that underwent anastomotic revision with or without thrombectomy were performed. A total of 843 microvascular free flaps were included. The overall rate of flap failure was 4.0% (n = 34). The overall rate of pedicle anastomosis revision (artery, vein, or both) was 5.0% (n = 42) with a failure rate of 47.6% (n = 20) after revision. Anastomotic revision significantly increased the risk of flap failure (odds ratio [OR] 52.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] [23.90, 121.1], p < .0001) especially when both the artery and vein were revised (OR 9.425, 95% CI [2.117, 52.33], p = .005). Free flap failure after the anastomotic revision was not affected by postoperative antiplatelet therapy, postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation, intraoperative heparin bolus, tPA, and therapeutic anticoagulation regardless of which vessels were revised and if a thrombus was identified. In cases of microvascular free tissue transfer pedicle anastomotic revision, the use of antithrombotic therapy does not appear to significantly change free flap survival outcomes.

Outcomes of Free Muscle Flaps versus Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Lower Limb Reconstruction following Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Free flap reconstruction of the lower limb following trauma often suffers higher complication rates than other areas of the body. The choice of muscle or fasciocutaneous free flap is an area of active debate. A systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Register from inception to April 1, 2022 was performed. Articles were assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies instrument. The primary outcome was to assess and compare the major surgical outcomes of partial or total flap failure, reoperation, and amputation rates. Seventeen studies were included. All studies were retrospective in nature, of level three evidence, and published between 1986 and 2021. The most common muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps used were latissimus dorsi flap (38.1%) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap (64.8%), respectively. Meta-analysis found no significance difference in rates of total flap failure, takeback operations, or limb salvage, whereas partial flap failure rate was significantly lower for fasciocutaneous flaps. The majority of studies found no significant difference in complication rates, osteomyelitis, time to fracture union, or time to functional recovery. Most, 82.4% (14/17), of the included studies were of high methodological quality. The rate of total flap failure, reoperation, or limb salvage is not significantly different between muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps after lower limb reconstruction following trauma. Partial flap failure rates appear to be lower with fasciocutaneous free flaps. Outcomes traditionally thought to be managed better with muscle free flaps, such as osteomyelitis and rates of fracture union, were comparable.

Tissue Transfer After Tongue Resection: Micro-Vascular Reconstruction Using Radial Artery Free Flap versus Reconstruction by Split Thickness Skin Graft in T2 Lesions of Tongue Carcinoma.

To compare postoperative complications, functional rehabilitation, surgical outcomes of the radial artery forearm free flap (RAFFF) and split thickness skin graft (STSG) reconstruction of postsurgical defect in T2 lesions of cancer oral cavity. Observational Prospective comparative study. Academic tertiary referral centre. In our study of forty four patients, after tumour resection, half underwent reconstruction using RAFFF (Group I) and another half by STSG (Group II). All of the patients were followed postoperatively to determine and compare their functional outcomes related to donor site and recipient site complications, speech, deglutition and mouth opening. The speech intelligibility and deglutition were each assessed using Articulation Handicap Index and Vedio-fluoroscopy using the Functional oral intake scale. Operative time for STSG reconstruction was shorter at 2.2 ± 0.97 SD hours compared to 5.9 ± 1.24 SD hours for RAFFF reconstruction. Hospital stay was 8.3 ± 1.19 SD days for STSG patients and 12.6 ± 1.7 SD days for RAFFF patients. Thefunctional outcomes of speech quality and swallowing were near comparable in both groups but the donor site complications were significant in theRAFFF group. Operative time, hospital stay anddonor site complications are both significantly reduced with the STSG as opposed to RAFF. Functional and oncologic results of both methods are near comparable. To conclude, STSG can be used for reconstruction of thepost-surgical defects in T2 lesions of thetongue.

Aesthetic Reconstruction of Onco-surgical Mandibular Defects Using Free Fibular Flap with and without CAD/CAM Customized Osteotomy Guide: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundReconstruction of mandibular defects following ablative surgery remains a challenge even for experienced surgeons. Virtual planning and guided surgery, including computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), afford optimized ways by which to plan complex surgery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare aesthetic outcome and surgical efficiency of free fibular flap (FFF) with and without CAD/CAM customized osteotomy guide (COG) for reconstruction of onco-surgical mandibular defects.MethodsTwenty-two patients indicated for segmental mandibulectomy were randomly assigned to either CAD/CAM with COG group or that without COG- Model based reconstruction (MB group) at a 1:1 ratio. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by means of morphometric assessment and comparison for each differential area (DAr) and angle (DAn) in the affected side to the contralateral side of the mandible using computerized digital imaging analysis (CDIA) based on the post-operative 3D CT-scan. Subjective evaluation was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Patient’s Satisfaction Score (PSS). Surgical efficiency was a secondary outcome and evaluated as total operative time and ischemia time.ResultsThe mean sagittal DAr was significantly lower in the COG group (277.28 ± 127.05 vs. 398.67 ± 139.10 mm2, P = 0.045). Although there was an improvement in the axial DAr (147.61 ± 55.42 vs. 183.68 ± 72.85 mm2), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.206). The mean differences (Δ) in both sagittal and coronal DAn were significantly lower in the COG group than in the MB group (6.11 ± 3.46 and 1.77 ± 1.12° vs. 9.53 ± 4.17 and 3.44 ± 2.34°), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the axial DAn between the two groups (P = 0.386). The PSS was significantly higher in the COG group, reflecting better aesthetic satisfaction than in the MB group (P = 0.041). The total operation and ischemia time were significantly shorter in favor of the COG group with a mean of (562.91 ± 51.22, 97.55 ± 16.80 min vs. 663.55 ± 53.43, 172.45 ± 21.87 min), respectively.ConclusionThe CAD/CAM with COG is more reliable and highly valuable in enhancing aesthetic outcomes and surgical efficiency of mandibular reconstruction by FFF compared to that without COG (MB reconstruction).Trial registrationThis trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration number: NCT03757273. Registration date: 28/11/2018.

The effects of psychosocial determinants on post-operative complications of head and neck free flap patients

PurposeNot much is known about how pre-operative psychosocial factors affect head and neck free flap outcomes. Hence, the objective of the study is to determine if a patient's pre-operative self-perception and quality of life affect post-operative complications and hospital length of stay after free flap surgery. Materials and methodsThis was a prospective cohort study. Patients who underwent a free flap surgery at an academic tertiary care center between January 2021 and March 2022 were asked to fill out the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and the Short Form 36 Health Questionnaire before surgery. A chart review of their medical records was then performed. Analysis of the data was performed using Spearman Correlation, Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney and Multivariate Logistic Regression on STATA 15. ResultsSixty-one patients (73.8 % male; mean [SD; range] age: 60.9 [14.0, 23.1–86.8]) who underwent free flap surgery agreed to participate in the study. Most of the participants were not Caucasian (59 %). The most common indication for surgery was malignancy (93 %). The post-operative complication rate was 34.4 % and included 3 hematoma (4.9 %), 3 free flap failure (4.9 %), 9 wound dehiscence (14.8 %), 10 salivary fistulas (16.4 %), and 3 aspiration pneumonia or chyle leak (4.9 %). There were no mortalities. The mean role limitations due to physical health subscore [SD; range], social functioning subscore, pain subscore, and general health subscore of the SF-36 were 61.9 [39.2, 0–100], 70.7 [27.5, 0–100], 62.1 [25.7, 0–100], and 67.8 [20.3, 20–100], respectively. On univariate analysis, decreased physical limitations, better social functioning, less pain and better general health were associated with fewer overall post-operative complications, but was not correlated with length of stay. This held true for social functioning and general health even in multivariate analysis accounting for age and smoking history. The mean Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale score was 24.3 [4.1, 13–30]. ConclusionsIn this study, patients with more limited social function and worse general health had more overall post-operative complications. It is important to continue to explore how pre-operative quality of life and other psychosocial factors can affect surgical outcomes.

26. Machine Learning applied to audit of outcomes after immediate free flap reconstruction of the Head & Neck

Most surgical specialities have attempted to address the concern of unfair comparison of outcomes by risk-adjusting surgical outcome data. In this paper we test a further risk adjustment model, for inclusion in the QOMS framework, to benchmark and report immediate free flap outcomes.