Annals of Surgical Oncology Cite Track
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Article
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Miller, M. J.
Right arrow Articles by Kroll, S. S.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Miller, M. J.
Right arrow Articles by Kroll, S. S.

Annals of Surgical Oncology, Vol 2, Issue 2 145-150, Copyright © 1995 by Society of Surgical Oncology

ARTICLES

Microvascular craniofacial reconstruction in cancer patients

M. J. Miller, M. A. Schusterman, G. P. Reece and S. S. Kroll
Department of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.

BACKGROUND: Resections of large malignancies involving the middle and upper thirds of the face and cranium result in complex defects, posing a difficult challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Free tissue transfer may be the best means of reconstruction. METHODS: We reviewed 54 consecutive microvascular craniofacial reconstructions after tumor ablation performed at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from May 1988 to September 1992. Information regarding patient characteristics, tumor stage and histology, history of prior therapy, the defect after tumor ablation, and the details of the reconstruction were entered in a microcomputer database at the time of the initial surgery. Free flap outcome, the number and type of complications, control of malignant disease, and the use of adjuvant therapy were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Patients had defects of the scalp and cranium (15 of 50) or of the maxilla/orbit/cranial base (35 of 50) after resections for a variety of tumors. Immediate reconstruction was completed in 40 patients and delayed in 10. Prior therapy included surgery (39 of 50) and/or radiotherapy (35 of 50). The free flap success rate was 96% (52 of 54). In patients with successful flaps, significant wound complications occurred in 13.5% of patients (seven of 52) and donor site problems in 11.1% (six of 54) for an overall complication rate of 24.1% (13 of 54). There were no operative deaths or neurologic complications. The timing of surgery or a history of prior surgical therapy or radiotherapy did not significantly influence the complication rates. CONCLUSION: Free tissue transfers provide optimal restoration of large craniofacial defects resulting from cancer resection.




HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1995 by the Society of Surgical Oncology.