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Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 10/2010

01-10-2010 | Head and Neck

Risk factors of free flap compromise in 247 cases of microvascular head and neck reconstruction: a single surgeon’s experience

Authors: Young-Hoon Joo, Dong-Il Sun, Jun-Ook Park, Kwang-Jae Cho, Min-Sik Kim

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 10/2010

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between free flap compromise and perioperative risk factors. A retrospective review was conducted for 237 patients who underwent 247 microvascular free flap reconstructions after head and neck ablative surgery. Twenty-one (8.5%) cases of free flap compromise due to a vascular obstruction were identified, and 11 flaps were lost (4.5%); an overall success rate of 95.5%. A significant correlation was found between diabetes mellitus and free flap compromise (p = 0.048). Preoperative irradiation was also found to influence free flap compromise, but with borderline significance (p = 0.052). However, multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between free flap compromise and diabetes mellitus [odds ratio = 4.9 (95% CI 1.1–22.8, p = 0.041)]. The presence of diabetes mellitus may require more attention to improve patient management and free flap outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Risk factors of free flap compromise in 247 cases of microvascular head and neck reconstruction: a single surgeon’s experience
Authors
Young-Hoon Joo
Dong-Il Sun
Jun-Ook Park
Kwang-Jae Cho
Min-Sik Kim
Publication date
01-10-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 10/2010
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-010-1268-1

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