The Implant-borne Articulation Splint in Fibula Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction: A Technical Note.

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing and digitally simulated surgeries have revolutionized maxillomandibular reconstruction. In particular, this technology has increased the accuracy and facilitated the process of dental implantation in fibula free flaps. Despite the efficacy of virtual planning, there is a minor degree of translational difference between digital and intraoperative measurements, which may affect the precision of implant and fibula orientations. This is especially concerning during the last stage of fibula insetting, where the graft segments have the potential to roll, yaw, or pitch. The objective of this study is to describe an advanced prosthodontic technique that ensures the fibula grafts and implants remain in a restorable position during final insetting. We describe the technique and workflow of the implant-borne articulation splint through a case presentation and demonstrate results at 4 months postoperative and postradiotherapy. Given the degree of investment placed in virtual planning, free flap reconstruction, and endosteal implants, a technique that ensures optimal restorability of each implant is pivotal. Larger studies are still required to fully elucidate the cost-effectiveness and long-term results of the implant-borne articulation splint.

Modified vestibuloplasty of the zygomaticoalveolar crest to gain intradefect support for an obturator prosthesis.

This clinical report details a novel surgical modification at the time of maxillectomy to improve obturator function. A vestibuloplasty and split thickness skin graft of the zygomaticoalveolar crest created a denture-bearing surface that, when engaged, provided support and stability for the obturator prosthesis. This report outlines the surgical and prosthodontic procedures and the results achieved.

Outcomes in Pediatric Maxillofacial Reconstruction With Vascularized Fibular Flaps: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the complications and outcomes after maxillofacial reconstruction using the free fibular flap in the pediatric population. METHODS: A systematic review and descriptive analysis were conducted using data variables, including study characteristics; patient characteristics; postoperative complications (major and minor); surgical revision; and dental rehabilitation. RESULTS: The systematic review resulted in 1622 articles, 55 of which met inclusion criteria for this study. The 55 articles consisted of 17 case series and 38 case reports with level III/IV and level V of evidence, respectively. Of the 155 identified pediatric patients, the rate of major complications was 13.5% and minor complications was 24.5%. The most common complication was mild growth distortion (n = 7) at the recipient site. Complications at the donor site were less common. During follow-up, 29 patients (18.7%) underwent or awaited surgical revision, and 43 patients (27.7%) underwent or awaited dental rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the free fibular flap for pediatric maxillofacial reconstruction is safe and reliable. Additionally, surgical revision to correct the functional impairments resulting from primary reconstruction using the free fibular flap is relatively common.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck using the indocyanine green SPY Elite system.

PURPOSE: Lymph node status is the single most important prognostic factor for patients with early-stage cutaneous melanoma. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become the standard of care for intermediate depth melanomas. Modern SLNB implementation includes technetium-99 lymphoscintigraphy combined with local administration of a vital blue dye. However, sentinel lymph nodes may fail to localize in some cases and false-negative rates range from 0 to 34%. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of a new sentinel lymph node biopsy technique using indocyanine green (ICG) and the SPY Elite near-infrared imaging system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of primary cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck without locoregional metastasis, underwent SLNB at a single quaternary care institution between May 2016 and June 2017. Intraoperatively, 0.25 mL of ICG was injected intradermal in 4 quadrants around the primary lesion. 10-15 minute circulation time was permitted. SPY Elite identified the sentinel lymph node within the nodal basin marked by lymphoscintigraphy. Target first echelon lymph nodes were confirmed with a gamma probe and ICG fluorescence. RESULTS: 14 patients were included with T1a to T4b cutaneous melanomas. Success rates for sentinel lymph node identification using lymphoscintigraphy and the SPY Elite system were both 86%. Zero false negatives occurred. Median length of follow-up was 323 days. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence demonstrates a safe, and facile method of sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck compared with lymphoscintigraphy and vital blue dyes.

Oncologic validity of recipient vessel preservation in microvascular free-flap reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The use of free-flap reconstruction requires a more limited neck dissection to allow for microvascular anastomosis. This study seeks to determine the oncologic validity of cervical vessel preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study is a prospective review of cervical vessel biopsies from patients undergoing resection of squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) tumors of the head and neck with free tissue reconstruction. RESULTS: From June 2010 to March 2012, 227 recipient vessel biopsies were performed on 100 patients. Three of these patients had grossly abnormal vessels, with malignancy confirmed by frozen section analysis. One patient had a vessel positive for malignancy that was grossly normal but found to have SCCA on the final pathology. CONCLUSIONS: When the recipient vessel appears grossly suspicious, a frozen section biopsy and re-resection should be considered. Recipient vessel trimmings should routinely be sent for permanent pathology since in rare cases, they can be involved by tumor, affecting the margin status, prognosis, and indications for adjuvant therapy.

Mucosal emphysematous head and neck infections: Scoping review and a case of emphysematous tonsillitis.

Objective: This scoping review seeks to understand the existing research in otolaryngological mucosal emphysematous infections and to elucidate gaps in knowledge in the field. We also present a case of bilateral necrotizing tonsillitis in an immunocompromised patient with the first reported imaging findings of emphysematous abscess of the tonsils. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science. Review Methods: We conducted our review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews. Patient presentation, management, and outcomes were summarized. We also describe the case of a patient with aplastic anemia found to have emphysematous tonsillitis, managed with intubation, broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics and bilateral tonsillectomy. Results: We identified seven case reports or series, involving nine total patients, who presented with emphysematous epiglottitis, supraglottitis, or tonsillitis. The hallmark imaging characteristic was submucosal "gas bubble" on computed tomography. Presenting symptoms included dysphagia, odynophagia, dysphonia, cough, and fever. Both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients were affected. All patients were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, and most with steroids. Patients at risk of airway compromise also underwent intubation and surgical drainage or debridement of the emphysematous infection. Conclusion: Emphysematous pharyngeal infections are rare but potentially life-threatening infections that can progress rapidly, resulting in airway compromise and sepsis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. We highlight the importance of swift intervention, with intubation and surgical intervention often required for severe cases. More research is needed on common pathogens and patient risk factors to guide future medical and surgical management.

Ultrasonic Shears Decrease Postoperative Hematomas in Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative hematoma and takeback rates in a large series of microvascular reconstructions. We sought to determine whether the use of ultrasonic shears reduced these rates. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: A total of 2288 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects between 1995 and 2022 were reviewed. Patients undergoing dissection with and without ultrasonic shears were compared to determine postoperative hematoma and takeback rates. RESULTS: The overall hematoma rate was 1.3% (29/2288) for the entire cohort. The postoperative hematoma rates with and without ultrasonic shears were 0.63% (9/1418) and 2.3% (20/870), relative risk = 0.28, P = .0015. Of 870 patients undergoing surgery without ultrasonic shears, 14 (1.61%) were taken back to the operating room for control of bleeding compared to 8 of 1418 (0.56%) in the ultrasonic shears cohort. CONCLUSION: Our large series of patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction shows a decrease in postoperative hematoma rate and takeback for bleeding with the adoption of ultrasonic shears. Ultrasonic shears are an effective tool that can help decrease perioperative morbidity secondary to hematoma after head and neck tumor resection and microvascular reconstruction.

Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap: A Middle Ground Between Anterolateral Thigh and Radial Forearm Flaps.

OBJECTIVE: The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has gained popularity in head and neck reconstruction primarily as a less morbid alternative to the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). However, no direct comparison of thickness exists among the MSAP, RFFF, and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps, which together represent the commonly utilized nonosseus-free flaps in head and neck reconstruction. Thus, this study aimed to compare these flap sites and identify predictors of thickness that will aid in reconstructive surgical planning. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: The thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue at the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT donor sites were measured in 54 adult patients using Doppler ultrasound. General linear models were generated to identify predictors of flap thickness. RESULTS: The mean thickness of the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT flaps was 3.8 ± 2.2 mm, 7.4 ± 3.8 mm, and 9.6 ± 4.7 mm. Body mass index (BMI) was the only statistically significant contributing factor (p < .0001, coefficient: 0.15) for the RFFF. MSAP was affected by age (p = .006, coefficient = 0.06), female gender (p < .0001, coefficient = 3.2), and BMI (p < .001, coefficient = 0.25), while the ALT was affected by female gender (p = .0005, coefficient = 3.3) and BMI (p < .0001, coefficient = 0.35). Thus, the ratio of increase for flap thickness with respect to BMI is 3:5:7 for the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT flaps, respectively. CONCLUSION: The MSAP is about twice the thickness of the RFFF and 2 mm thinner than the ALT; however, 22% of patients had thicker MSAP than ALT flaps. As the strongest predictors of flap thickness, female gender, and BMI may be taken into consideration during surgical planning for reconstruction.

Ghost Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is an exceptionally rare malignant odontogenic neoplasm with a significant potential for aggressive growth. Although the literature on this tumor is limited, its high recurrence rates suggest that early and multimodal intervention may be beneficial. This study reports a case of GCOC of the mandible that was successfully treated with surgical resection, reconstruction, and radiation. A comprehensive literature review was performed, and the relevant genomic and histopathological characteristics of this malignancy were determined. Laryngoscope, 133:830-833, 2023.

Free Flap Outcomes for Head and Neck Surgery in Patients with COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects the vascular system, subjecting patients to a hypercoagulable state. This is of particular concern for the success of microvascular free flap reconstruction. This study aims to report head and neck free flap complications in patients with COVID-19 during the perioperative period. We believe these patients are more likely to experience flap complications given the hypercoagulable state. METHODS: This is a multi-institutional retrospective case series of patients infected with COVID-19 during the perioperative period for head and neck free flap reconstruction from March 2020 to January 2022. RESULTS: Data was collected on 40 patients from 14 institutions. Twenty-one patients (52.5%) had a positive COVID-19 test within 10 days before surgery and 7 days after surgery. The remaining patients had a positive test earlier than 10 days before surgery. A positive test caused a delay in surgery for 16 patients (40.0%) with an average delay of 44.7 days (9-198 days). Two free flap complications (5.0%) occurred with no free flap deaths. Four patients (10.0%) had surgical complications and 10 patients had medical complications (25.0%). Five patients (12.5%) suffered from postoperative COVID-19 pneumonia. Three deaths were COVID-19-related and one from cancer recurrence during the study period. CONCLUSION: Despite the heightened risk of coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients, head and neck free flap reconstructions in patients with COVID-19 are not at higher risk for free flap complications. However, these patients are at increased risk of medical complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2023.

Predictive factors of osteoradionecrosis necessitating segmental mandibulectomy: A descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess characteristics of patients with mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of severity necessitating segmental mandibulectomy and osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the mandible at the UCLA Medical Center between January 2016 and February 2020 secondary to ORN. RESULTS: Twenty-nine charts with detailed dental and medical records were identified. Hypertension was reported in 14 of 29 patients, diabetes in 2 of 29, osteoporosis in 2 of 29, antiresorptive use in 3 of 29, tobacco use in 15 of 29, and alcohol use in 19 of 29. Twenty-three patients initially had stage III-IV cancer. The median radiation dose was 68 Gy and median time to ORN was 5.2 years. Chemotherapy was given in 21 patients and 4 had previous mandibular surgery. Twelve of 29 patients had surgical procedures identified as the causative factor and 17 of 29 occurred spontaneously. Median decayed, missing, and filled teeth score was 17 and 17 of 29 patients had grade II-IV periodontitis. Periodontitis was present in 8 of 17 of spontaneous and 1 of 12 of surgery cases. Twenty-five of 29 cases occurred in the same oral sextant as the tumor. CONCLUSION: Severe ORN occurred at doses >60 Gy in most cases. Location of the primary tumor was predictive of site of ORN and only molars were involved when precipitated by tooth extraction. Risk of ORN persists indefinitely.

Impact of Hospital Volume on Outcomes Following Head and Neck Cancer Surgery and Flap Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Utilization of flaps for reconstruction of large head and neck cancer (HNCA) defects has become more prevalent. The present study aimed to assess the impact of center experience as measured by annual hospital caseload on mortality, major complications, resource utilization, and 90-day readmissions following HNCA resection with flap reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Non-Randomized Controlled Cohort Study. METHODS: All adult patients undergoing elective HNCA resection with flap reconstruction were identified utilizing the 2010 to 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Hospitals were subsequently classified as low-, medium-, or high-volume based on annual institutional surgical caseload tertiles. Multivariable regression models were implemented to assess the independent association of hospital volume with the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Over the nine-year study period, the proportion of HNCA resection with flap reconstruction gradually increased (12.8% in 2010 vs. 17.3% in 2018, P < .001). Although increasing hospital volume did not alter the odds of mortality, patients treated at high-volume centers were less likely to experience both surgical (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-0.97, P = .025) and medical complications (AOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.85, P < .001). Furthermore, these patients had shorter hospitalizations (-2.1 days, 95% CI -2.7 to -1.4 days, P < .001) and decreased costs (-$8,100, 95% CI -11,400 to -4,700, P < .001) compared to counterparts at low-volume centers. However, hospital volume did not impact 90-day readmissions. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing HNCA resection with flap reconstruction at high-volume centers were less likely to experience surgical and medical complications while incurring shorter hospitalizations and lower costs. Implementation of volume standards may be appropriate to improve outcomes in this surgical population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1381-1387, 2022.

Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction of Glossectomy Defects Without Tracheostomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction of glossectomy defects without tracheostomy tube (TT). METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with at least oral tongue defects who underwent RFFF reconstruction. Pre- and intra-operative factors were documented. Post-operative respiratory complications included inability to extubate, pneumonia, or need for re-intubation or TT within 30 days. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent RFFF reconstruction without TT, and 36 patients with TT. The average hospital length of stay was 1.5 days shorter in those without TT (P < .01). Two patients who underwent TT placement experienced a respiratory complication (P = .27). There were no respiratory complications among those without TT. After multivariate analyses, large tongue base defect (>25% resection, P < .001) and bilateral neck dissection (P < .001) were independently associated with TT placement. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, RFFF reconstruction of glossectomy defects is feasible without TT among selected patients with small tongue base defects (≤25% resection) and unilateral neck dissection.

Vasodilation by Verapamil-Nitroglycerin Solution in Microvascular Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Papaverine is a topical vasodilator commonly used during microvascular surgery to inhibit undesired vasoconstriction. A previous national shortage of papaverine prompted evaluation of an alternative, effective vasodilator. This study aims to assess the experience of a solution of verapamil and nitroglycerin (VG) as a potential alternative pharmacologic vasodilator. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Two tertiary academic medical centers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Among 298 patients, 306 consecutive free tissue transfers performed between 2014 and 2017 for head and neck defect reconstruction utilized a VG solution. Patient and flap characteristics, intraoperative patient and flap complications, and postoperative complications were reviewed. Diameter of the cervical recipient artery was measured intraoperatively before and after topical application of the VG solution in a subset of 43 patients (44 flaps). RESULTS: Flaps included fibula, radial forearm, subscapular system, and anterolateral thigh. In total, 3 (0.98%) flaps failed with varied etiology unrelated to the VG solution (venous thrombosis, arterial anastomosis thrombosis, physical damage to the perforator). Specific to topical application of the VG solution, the mean recipient artery diameter increased from 2.1 to 3.1 mm, a 48% increase (P < .01). There were no intraoperative cardiac events or complications attributable to the VG solution. CONCLUSION: We describe the use of a VG solution for pharmacologic vasodilation during microvascular free tissue transfer. Its use was associated with an acceptable incidence of adverse events, none of which were directly attributable to the VG solution. Apparent and sustained vasodilation was demonstrated. The VG solution represents a safe and efficacious alternative to papaverine in microvascular surgery.

Safety of fibula free flap in patients following total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: Fibula free flap (FFF) is the preferred osteocutaneous flap for reconstruction of large head and neck composite defects. There is a paucity of data whether FFF can be performed safely in patients with knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty [TKA]). METHODS: Multi-institutional review of outcomes following FFF in patients who had prior TKA. RESULTS: Ten surgeons reported successful FFF in 53 patients with prior TKA. The most common preoperative imaging was a CT angiogram of the bilateral lower extremities. There was no evidence of intraoperative vascular abnormality. Physical therapy began between postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 3. At 1 month postoperatively, 40% of patients were using a cane or walker to ambulate, but by 3 months all had returned to baseline ambulatory status. At >1 year, there were no gait complications. CONCLUSION: FFF appears safe in patients with prior knee replacement without an increased risk of complications compared to baseline.

Total Glossectomy With Free Flap Reconstruction: Twenty-Year Experience at a Tertiary Medical Center.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To characterize the demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, and treatment and reconstructive outcomes of patients who underwent total glossectomy STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review at an academic tertiary-care medical center. METHODS: All patients who had undergone total glossectomy (as an individual procedure or as part of a more extensive resection) between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2014 were included in the analysis. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients underwent total glossectomy for oral tongue and base of tongue cancer. The mean age of the patients was 56 (range, 29-92 years). History of tobacco and heavy alcohol use was found in 76% and 11% of patients, respectively. The majority of patients had advanced cancer (91.7% at stage IV), and 60.4% had salvage therapy for recurrent disease. T4 disease comprised 81% of patients. Sixty percent had clinical or radiographic evidence of nodal metastasis. Reconstruction of the defect was performed with free flaps from the rectus abdominus (40%), fibula (25%), anterolateral thigh (23%), and other donor tissues. One- and 5-year survival rates were 42% and 26%, with locoregional and distant recurrence reported at 36% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Total glossectomy for oncologic control is most commonly performed in patients who have stage IV cancers. Despite high reconstructive success rates, the likelihood of locoregional and distance recurrence was high. Most patients can communicate intelligibly and achieve decannulation, but swallowing outcomes remain guarded, especially considering previous irradiation and resection of the base of tongue. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1087-1092, 2019.

Readmission after surgery for oropharyngeal cancer: An analysis of rates, causes, and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Determine the rate, diagnoses, and risk factors associated with 30-day nonelective readmissions for patients undergoing surgery for oropharyngeal cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We analyzed the Nationwide Readmissions Database for patients who underwent oropharyngeal cancer surgery between 2010 and 2014. Rates and causes of 30-day readmissions were determined. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for readmission. RESULTS: Among 16,902 identified cases, the 30-day, nonelective readmission rate was 10.2%, with an average cost per readmission of $14,170. The most common readmission diagnoses were postoperative bleeding (14.1%) and wound complications (12.6%) (surgical site infection [8.6%], dehiscence [2.3%], and fistula [1.7%]). On multivariate regression, significant risk factors for readmission were major ablative surgery (which included total glossectomy, pharyngectomy, and mandibulectomy) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.60), advanced Charlson/Deyo comorbidity (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.43-2.79), history of radiation (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.15-2.17), Medicare (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06-1.69) or Medicaid (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.32-2.50) payer status, index admission from the emergency department (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02-1.40), and length of stay ≥6 days (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.19-2.08). CONCLUSIONS: In this large database analysis, we found that approximately one in 10 patients undergoing surgery for oropharyngeal cancer is readmitted within 30 days. Procedural complexity, insurance status, and advanced comorbidity are independent risk factors, whereas postoperative bleeding and wound complications are the most common reasons for readmission. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 129:910-918, 2019.

MR angiography of lower extremities at 3 T: presurgical planning of fibular free flap transfer for facial reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the use of preoperative MR angiography of the lower extremities at 3 T in candidates for fibular free flap harvesting, identifying atherosclerotic occlusive disease and congenital anomalies in this population. Our intention was to document the influence of the imaging findings on the surgical approach used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine consecutive adult patients with facial abnormalities necessitating mandibular resection with subsequent osteocutaneous mandibular reconstruction who underwent preoperative MR angiography at 3 T were retrospectively reviewed. Images were evaluated by two observers with regard to image quality and visualization of arterial segments; severity of stenosis; and presence of noise, artifact, or venous contamination. The popliteal artery branching pattern present was also classified. The facial and reconstructive surgeon involved indicated whether the MR angiographic appearances influenced the decision regarding the side or location from which the flap was harvested or the flap design. RESULTS: Arterial segments were visualized with good or excellent image quality in 722 of 725 segments for observer 1 and 721 segments for observer 2. The kappa coefficient indicated good interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.78) with regard to quality of arterial segment depiction and scoring of stenoocclusive disease (kappa = 0.64). No segments had venous contamination, noise, or artifact of a degree sufficient to compromise diagnostic interpretation. Imaging influenced the surgical approach in 16 (55.2%) of 29 patients. CONCLUSION: Trifurcation vessel imaging should be a prerequisite to fibular free flap harvesting. High-spatial-resolution MR angiography at 3 T represents a desirable alternative to other invasive or cross-sectional imaging techniques in this regard.

Reirradiation after salvage surgery and microvascular free flap reconstruction for recurrent head and neck carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome and complications of reirradiation of recurrent head and neck cancer after salvage surgery and microvascular reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients underwent salvage surgery with microvascular reconstruction for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer in a previously irradiated field. Median prior radiation therapy dose was 63.0 Gy. Patients then underwent postoperative reirradiation, and received a median total cumulative radiation dose of 115.0 Gy. RESULTS: Three (25%) patients experienced acute complications (<3 months) during reirradiation. Four (33%) patients developed grade 3 or 4 late reirradiation complications (>3 months). There were no incidences of free flap failure, brain necrosis, spinal cord injury, or carotid rupture. The incidence of soft tissue necrosis and osteoradionecrosis was 8%. Six (50%) patients are alive without evidence of recurrent disease a median of 40 months after reirradiation. CONCLUSION: Microvascular free flaps allow for maximal resection and reliable reconstruction of previously irradiated cancers before high dose reirradiation and may reduce the incidence of severe late complications and treatment related mortality.

Salvage surgery with free flap reconstruction: factors affecting outcome after treatment of recurrent head and neck squamous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors predicting the outcome after salvage surgery with microvascular flap reconstruction for recurrent squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the head and neck. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of patients treated at an academic medical center. METHODS: One hundred six patients underwent salvage surgery and microvascular flap reconstruction after prior unsuccessful cancer treatment using surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. All patients had a follow-up interval after salvage surgery of at least 24 months unless cancer rerecurrence occurred within 24 months after salvage surgery. Factors including age, sex, comorbidity level, tobacco use, alcohol use, disease-free interval since prior therapy, prior radiation, prior chemotherapy, prior surgery, recurrent tumor T class, recurrent tumor N class, recurrent cancer stage, and tumor location were examined to determine their association with cancer rerecurrence after salvage surgery. Successful treatment was defined as patients who remained free from cancer rerecurrence for a minimum 2 year period after salvage surgery. RESULTS: Advanced recurrent T class (P = .02) was significantly associated with cancer recurrence. Recurrent cancer stage and patient smoking status approached statistical significance (P = .06). CONCLUSION: Patients with recurrent T1 and T2 class are the best candidates for salvage surgery and microvascular flap reconstruction for treatment of recurrent SCC of the head and neck. Patients with T3 and T4 class recurrent cancers and patients who continue to smoke after initial diagnosis and treatment of head and neck SCC are poor candidates to undergo salvage surgery.