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J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 37(09): 791-798
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727188
Original Article

Use of Single Chimeric Free Flaps or Double Free Flaps for Complex Head and Neck Reconstruction

Anjali C. Raghuram
1   Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
Gabriel Manfro
2   Division of Surgical Oncology, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil
,
Gilberto V. Teixeira
3   Division of Surgery, Santa Catarina Federal University, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
,
Claudio R. Cernea
4   Division of Head and Neck Surgery, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Fernando L. Dias
5   Division of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Mauricio De Marco
2   Division of Surgical Oncology, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil
,
Róger Polo
2   Division of Surgical Oncology, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil
,
Amjed Abu-Ghname 
6   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
Marco Maricevich
6   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Abstract

Background Free flaps have become the preferred reconstructive approach to restore form and function for patients presenting with complex head and neck defects. For composite, complex defects for which a regular free flap might not meet all reconstructive demands, adequate coverage can be achieved with either a single chimeric free flap or a double free flap.

Methods We performed a single-center retrospective chart review of patients who underwent either single chimeric free flap or double free flap reconstruction. Indications for reconstruction included defects resultant from head and neck tumor or osteoradionecrosis resections. We extracted the following variables: tumor location, defect, flap(s) performed, and postoperative complications. Unpaired t-tests were performed to evaluate for statistically significant differences in complications encountered between the single chimeric versus the double free flap patient groups.

Results In our series of 44 patients, a total of 55 single chimeric and double free flaps were performed. We found no significant difference in overall complications (p = 0.41) or flap/skin paddle loss (p = 0.45) between the groups. There were three total flap losses; two patients underwent successful salvage procedures and one patient died. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) was the most common free flap (70%) used in our series, and 98% of our patients completed successful reconstruction.

Conclusion As the initial reconstructive effort is critical for achieving favorable long-term outcomes in complex head and neck cases, effective and safe techniques should be employed to ensure optimal delivery of care. We believe that single chimeric and double free flap techniques should be appropriately utilized as part of the armamentarium of head and neck reconstructive microsurgeons.

Keywords

free flap - head and neck cancer - microsurgery - reconstructive surgical procedures


Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 19. November 2020

Angenommen: 15. Februar 2021

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
14. April 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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