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Semin Plast Surg 2025; 39(02): 103-112
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1808273
Review Article

The Multidisciplinary Team in Head and Neck Cancer Reconstruction: A Reference Manual for the Plastic Surgeon

Benjamin D. W. Belfort
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
3   Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
Winston R. Owens
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Olivia G. Leonovicz
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Amjed Abu-Ghname
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Josephine L. Schmidt
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Edward P. Buchanan
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Amy S. Xue
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
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Abstract

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) require a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to address their complex functional, aesthetic, and psychological impacts. This manuscript highlights the central role of plastic surgeons in the MDT, emphasizing their collaboration with other MDT members to align aesthetic and functional surgical outcomes with oncologic and rehabilitative goals. Our intention is for this to be used as a practical guide for plastic surgeons detailing the roles of key MDT members and their contributions across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. We will also highlight how MDTs improve survival, functional outcomes, and quality of life for HNC patients.

Keywords

multidisciplinary teams - head and neck cancer - reconstructive - surgery - free-flap repair


Publication History

Article published online:
21 May 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
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