Background: Interposition vein grafts (IVG) and vascular bridge flaps (VBF) have been exploited as vascular conduit in challenging head and neck reconstructions. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 6025 flaps. The effect of patients' characteristics and length of IVG on flap compromise and loss were analyzed. Comparison between IVG and VBF was performed. Results: The flap compromise and loss rates for the overall group were 8.2% and 3.2%, respectively. An IVG was used in 309 free flaps. The average length of the vein grafts was 6.9 ± 4.2 cm. An unplanned return to the operation room occurred in 32 cases (10.4%) and failure of the flap in 12 patients (3.9%). Binary logistic regression found a significant association between flap compromise and loss rates and length of IVG, hypertension, prior radiation, and neck dissection. In the multiple regression model, length of IVG and prior radiation significantly influenced the outcomes. Thirty-nine patients underwent reconstruction with a long IVG (>10 cm). Twenty-six patients underwent surgical reconstruction with radial forearm flap as a VBF. The rate of flap compromise was higher in the group with a long IVG (P =.01). Conclusions: In head and neck free flap reconstruction, the length of IVGs and history of radiotherapy are associated with flap compromise and loss. In case of long distance between the pedicle and the recipient site, the use of a VBF bridge should be considered as a safe alternative.

Outcomes following head neck free flap reconstruction requiring interposition vein graft or vascular bridge flap / Di Taranto, G.; Chen, S. -H.; Elia, R.; Sitpahul, N.; Chan, J. C. Y.; Losco, L.; Cigna, E.; Ribuffo, D.; Chen, H. -C.. - In: HEAD & NECK. - ISSN 1043-3074. - 41:9(2019), pp. 2914-2920. [10.1002/hed.25767]

Outcomes following head neck free flap reconstruction requiring interposition vein graft or vascular bridge flap

Di Taranto G.
Primo
;
Losco L.;Cigna E.;Ribuffo D.
Penultimo
;
2019

Abstract

Background: Interposition vein grafts (IVG) and vascular bridge flaps (VBF) have been exploited as vascular conduit in challenging head and neck reconstructions. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 6025 flaps. The effect of patients' characteristics and length of IVG on flap compromise and loss were analyzed. Comparison between IVG and VBF was performed. Results: The flap compromise and loss rates for the overall group were 8.2% and 3.2%, respectively. An IVG was used in 309 free flaps. The average length of the vein grafts was 6.9 ± 4.2 cm. An unplanned return to the operation room occurred in 32 cases (10.4%) and failure of the flap in 12 patients (3.9%). Binary logistic regression found a significant association between flap compromise and loss rates and length of IVG, hypertension, prior radiation, and neck dissection. In the multiple regression model, length of IVG and prior radiation significantly influenced the outcomes. Thirty-nine patients underwent reconstruction with a long IVG (>10 cm). Twenty-six patients underwent surgical reconstruction with radial forearm flap as a VBF. The rate of flap compromise was higher in the group with a long IVG (P =.01). Conclusions: In head and neck free flap reconstruction, the length of IVGs and history of radiotherapy are associated with flap compromise and loss. In case of long distance between the pedicle and the recipient site, the use of a VBF bridge should be considered as a safe alternative.
2019
bridge flap; flow-through vascular flap; head and neck reconstruction; microvascular free flap; vein graft
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
Outcomes following head neck free flap reconstruction requiring interposition vein graft or vascular bridge flap / Di Taranto, G.; Chen, S. -H.; Elia, R.; Sitpahul, N.; Chan, J. C. Y.; Losco, L.; Cigna, E.; Ribuffo, D.; Chen, H. -C.. - In: HEAD & NECK. - ISSN 1043-3074. - 41:9(2019), pp. 2914-2920. [10.1002/hed.25767]
File allegati a questo prodotto
File Dimensione Formato  
Di-Taranto_Head-neck-reconstruction_2019.pdf

solo gestori archivio

Tipologia: Versione editoriale (versione pubblicata con il layout dell'editore)
Licenza: Tutti i diritti riservati (All rights reserved)
Dimensione 519.59 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
519.59 kB Adobe PDF   Contatta l'autore

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/1354396
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 10
  • Scopus 42
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 38
social impact