Which venous system to choose for anastomosis in head and neck reconstructions?

It has been postulated that venous thrombosis in free flap surgery necessitates the use of 2 venous anastomoses into different venous systems. We retrospectively analyzed a single surgeon's 10-year experience (August 1993 to August 2003) in primary free flap reconstruction for malignant tumors of the head and neck. Of 492 primary reconstructions that did not need a vein graft, vein loop, or cephalic turnover procedure, 251 used the internal jugular venous system as venous outflow, 140 used the subclavian system as outflow, and 101 used both. Two hundred thirty-eight of 251 (95%) of flaps utilizing the internal jugular venous system for outflow were successful compared with 129 of 140 (92%) of flaps utilizing the subclavian system. Where both venous systems were used the success rate was 101 of 101 (100%) (P < 0.05). Where possible, a second venous anastomosis should be performed utilizing both venous drainage systems.

Ten-year experience of free flaps in head and neck surgery. How necessary is a second venous anastomosis?

BACKGROUND: Successful free flap surgery in the head and neck is dependent on the successful anastomosis of both artery and vein. The success of all free flaps was analyzed to determine the necessity for performing 2 venous anastomoses. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a single surgeon's 10-year experience (August 1993-August 2003) in free flap reconstruction for malignant tumors of the head and neck. Four hundred ninety-two free flaps were primary reconstructions that did not require a vein graft, vein loop, or cephalic turnover procedure. Three hundred forty-five flaps had 1 venous anastomosis, and 147 flaps had 2 venous anastomoses. RESULTS: Overall, flap success was 468 of 492 (95.1%). Successful flap reconstruction in patients undergoing 2 venous anastomoses was 145 of 147 (98.6%) compared with 323 of 345 (93.6%) in patients undergoing 1 anastomosis (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Where possible, a second venous anastomosis should be performed in head and neck free flap reconstruction.

A ten-year experience of multiple flaps in head and neck surgery: how successful are they?

Ablative surgery in the head and neck often results in defects that require free flap reconstruction. With improved ablation/reconstructive and adjuvant techniques, improved survival has led to an increase in the number of patients undergoing multiple free flap reconstruction. We retrospectively analyzed a single institution's 10-year experience (August 1993 to August 2003) in free flap reconstruction for malignant tumors of the head and neck. Five hundred eighty-two flaps in 534 patients were identified with full details regarding ablation and reconstruction with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. Of these 584 flaps, 506 were for primary reconstruction, 50 for secondary reconstruction, 12 for tertiary reconstruction, and 8 patients underwent two flaps simultaneously for extensive defects. Overall flap success was 550/584 (94%). For primary free flap surgery, success was 481/506 (95%), compared with 44/50 (88%) for a second free flap reconstruction and 9/12 (75%) for a third free flap reconstruction ( P < 0.05). Eight extensive defects were reconstructed with 16 flaps, all of which were successful. More than one free flap may be required for reconstruction of head and neck defects, although success decreases as the number of reconstructive procedures increases.