Head and Neck Tumor Resection and Free Flap Reconstruction in Low-Volume Center
Observational published in Ear Nose Throat J (2020)
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the surgical outcomes of free tissue transfer surgery following head and neck tumor extirpation in a low-volume medical center. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent free tissue transfer surgery for head and neck cancer at Moanalua Medical Center from 2015 to 2018. MAIN OUTCOME OF MEASURE: Free flap failure rate and free flap-related complications. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2018, there were 27 free tissue transfer surgery (mean 6.75 flap surgery/year). There were 2 events of partial flap necrosis, and no cases of total flap loss. One patient required leech therapy for venous congestion. One patient required additional free flap surgery. Two patients developed orocutaneous fistula that resolved with local wound care. One patient developed malocclusion following mandible reconstruction using fibular free flap. Overall free flap success rate was 96%. CONCLUSION: This study supports the ability of small-volume centers to produce positive outcomes with few complications in head and neck cancer free flap reconstructive surgery. While the data are limited to a single surgical team in one care center, it provides additional support for the idea that there are factors beyond the surgical volume that determine outcome.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Retrospective series of 27 free-flap reconstructions for head and neck cancer at a low-volume center (mean 6.75 flaps/year). One patient required leech therapy for venous congestion; overall 96% free-flap success.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Esta revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas examinó los resultados quirúrgicos de la transferencia de tejido libre tras resección de tumores de cabeza y cuello en un único centro de bajo volumen (Moanalua Medical Center, 2015-2018), informando una tasa de éxito del colgajo libre del 96 % en 27 casos. En particular, un paciente requirió hirudoterapia por congestión venosa, lo que sitúa directamente a la hirudoterapia dentro del arsenal de manejo de complicaciones en cirugía reconstructiva. Para el dominio de la ASH, esto refuerza el papel establecido de las sanguijuelas medicinales como herramienta de rescate para la congestión venosa en cirugía de colgajos libres, incluso en centros de bajo volumen. La salvedad es que la hirudoterapia se menciona solo como un evento clínico aislado, sin detalles sobre la técnica, la duración o el desenlace específico relacionados con la aplicación de sanguijuelas; el foco principal del estudio son las relaciones entre volumen quirúrgico y resultados, no la eficacia de la hirudoterapia.
Citación
Head and Neck Tumor Resection and Free Flap Reconstruction in Low-Volume Center.
Brennan M et al. · Ear, nose, & throat journal, 2020
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026