scholarly journals Quality of life in head and neck cancer patients at 5 years after free flap reconstruction: a significant decline during the follow-up

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanna Lahtinen ◽  
Krisztina Molnár ◽  
Siiri Hietanen ◽  
Petri Koivunen ◽  
Pasi Ohtonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Decline ◽  
Flap Surgery ◽  
Free Flap Surgery

Abstract Purpose Free flap reconstructions following head and neck tumor resection are known to involve more than 50% rate of complications and other adverse events and up to 50% mortality during a 5-year follow-up. We aimed to examine the difference in the long-term quality of life (QoL) between the 2-year and 5-year assessments after free flap surgery for cancer of the head and neck. Methods A total of 28 of the 39 eligible patients responded to the survey. QoL was assessed at 5 years after operation and compared with the assessment performed at 2 years after the operation using RAND-36, EORTC-C30 and H&N-35, and SWAL-QOL tools. Results The criteria for poor QoL using RAND-36 tool was met in 11 (39.3%) patients in contrast to 4 (14.3%, P = 0.003) patients in the 2-year assessment. EORTC-C30 global score was decreased from 83.9 (SD16.4) to 64.6 (SD 24.0, P < 0.001) during the follow-up. In both RAND-36 and EORTC-C30 surveys, decline was found in physical and role functioning together with energy and emotional well-being domains. SWAL-QOL showed poor swallowing-related QoL in both assessments. Conclusion We found a significant decline in QoL during a 5-year follow-up after free flap surgery for cancer of the head and neck.

scholarly journals Swallowing-related quality of life after free flap surgery due to cancer of the head and neck

2018 ◽  
Vol 276 (3) ◽  
pp. 821-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanna Lahtinen ◽  
Petri Koivunen ◽  
Tero Ala-Kokko ◽  
Outi Kaarela ◽  
Päivi Laurila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Flap Surgery ◽  
Free Flap Surgery ◽  
Related Quality

Quality of life after free flap surgery for cancer of the head and neck in patients with or without postoperative complications

2018 ◽  
Vol 275 (10) ◽  
pp. 2575-2584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanna Lahtinen ◽  
Petri Koivunen ◽  
Tero Ala-Kokko ◽  
Päivi Laurila ◽  
Outi Kaarela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Flap Surgery ◽  
Free Flap Surgery

Preliminary Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Tongue Reconstruction with the Vastus Lateralis Myofascial Free Flap

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armando De Virgilio ◽  
Andrea Costantino ◽  
Raul Pellini ◽  
Gerardo Petruzzi ◽  
Giuseppe Mercante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Donor Area ◽  
Tongue Reconstruction ◽  
Eortc Qlq

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to report our preliminary experience with the vastus lateralis myofascial free flap (VLMFF) for tongue reconstruction according to tongue and donor site functional outcomes. Twelve consecutive patients (F: 5; median age: 54.0 years, interquartile range or IQR 42.75–69.0) were included. The validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer of the Head and Neck 35 Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and the performance status scale for head and neck cancer (PSS-HN) questionnaires were used to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used to self-report the donor area function. All patients were successfully treated, and no VLMFF failure was detected during a median follow-up period of 10.5 months (IQR: 6.5–33.0). The HRQOL showed a median EORTC QLQ-H&N35 score of 56.0 (IQR: 50.0–72.5). The median PSS-HN score was 80.0 (IQR: 45.0–95.0), 75.0 (IQR: 62.5–100.0), 75.0 (IQR: 62.5–100.0) for “Normalcy of Diet,” “Public Eating,” and “Understandability of Speech,” respectively. The self-reported function of the lower extremities (donor area) showed a median LEFS of 59.0 (IQR: 32.5–74.0). This study reports optimistic data regarding the functional and quality of life outcomes after tongue reconstruction using VLMFF. Prospective controlled studies are needed to demonstrate advantages and disadvantages when compared with other reconstructive techniques.

Significance of patient-reported outcomes for occupational resumption and quality of life after cardiac rehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Salzwedel ◽  
I Koran ◽  
E Langheim ◽  
A Schlitt ◽  
J Nothroff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Returning To Work

Abstract Introduction Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs based on the bio-psycho-social approach of the international classification of functioning and disease are carried out to achieve improved prognosis, superior health-related quality of life (HRQL) and social integration. We aimed to identify predictors of returning to work (RTW) and HRQL among cardiovascular risk factors and physical performance as well as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) modifiable during CR. Methods We designed a prospective observational multi-center study and enrolled 1,586 patients (2017/18) in 12 German rehabilitation centers regardless of their primary allocation diagnoses (e.g. acute myocardial infarction (AMI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular disease). Besides general data (e.g. age, gender, diagnoses), parameters of risk factor management (e.g. smoking, lipid profile, hypertension, lifestyle change motivation), physical performance (e.g. maximum exercise capacity, endurance training load, 6-min walking distance), and PROMs (e.g. depression, heart-focused anxiety, HRQL, subjective well-being, somatic and mental health, pain, general self-efficacy, pension desire as well as self-assessment of occupational prognosis using several questionnaires) were documented at CR admission and discharge. 6 months after discharge, status of RTW and HRQL (SF-12) were captured by a follow-up (FU) survey and analyzed in multivariable regression models with multiple imputation of missing values. Results Out of the study participants, 1,262 patients (54±7 years, 77% men) responded to the follow-up survey and could be analyzed regarding the outcome parameters. Most of them were assigned to CR primarily due to AMI (40%) or CAD without myocardial infarction (18%), followed by heart valve diseases in 12% of patients and CABG (8%). 864 patients (69%) returned to work within the follow-up period. Pension desire, negative self-assessed occupational prognosis, heart-focussed anxiety, major life events, smoking and heart failure were negatively associated with RTW, while higher endurance training load, HRQL and work stress were positively associated (Figure 1). HRQL after 6 months was determined more by PROMs (e.g. pension desire, heart-focused anxiety, physical/mental HRQL in SF-12, physical/mental health in indicators of rehab-status questionnaire (IRES-24), stress, well-being in the World Health Organization well-being index and self-efficacy expectations) than by clinical parameters or physical performance. Conclusions Patient-reported outcome measures predominantly influenced RTW and HRQL in heart-disease patients, whereas patients' pension desire and heart-focussed anxiety had a dominant impact on all investigated endpoints. Therefore, the multi-component CR approach focussing on psychosocial support is crucial for subjective health prognosis and occupational resumption. Figure 1. Predictors of returning to work Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): German pension insurance

scholarly journals Improvised perioperative techniques to meet the challenges of microvascular free flap surgery

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-100
Author(s):  
Soumi Pathak ◽  
Itee Chowdhury ◽  
Ajay Kumar Bhargava
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Neck Region ◽  
Flap Surgery ◽  
Surgical Morbidity ◽  
Head And Neck Region ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Free Flap Surgery ◽  
And Function ◽  
Microvascular Free Flap

Deformities of the head and neck region after radical oncosurgery can have devastating effects on the appearance of the patient with significant impact on patients quality of life. Reconstruction of such defects continues to be an extremely demanding challenge for plastic surgeons who aim to restore form and function with minimal surgical morbidity. The purpose of this communications is to highlight the various interventions and the protocols that are adopted to decrease the free flap failure rate.  

scholarly journals Long-Term Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life After Breast-Conserving Therapy: A Prospective Study Using the BREAST-Q

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Stolpner ◽  
Jörg Heil ◽  
Fabian Riedel ◽  
Markus Wallwiener ◽  
Benedikt Schäfgen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Aesthetic Surgery ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Breast Conserving Therapy ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Background Poor patient-reported satisfaction after breast-conserving therapy (BCT) has been associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and subsequent depression in retrospective analysis. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the HRQOL of patients who have undergone BCT using the BREAST-Q, and to identify clinical risk factors for lower patient satisfaction. Methods Patients with primary breast cancer undergoing BCT were asked to complete the BREAST-Q preoperatively (T1) for baseline evaluation, then 3 to 4 weeks postoperatively (T2), and finally 1 year after surgery (T3). Clinicopathologic data were extracted from the patients’ charts. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine significant differences in mean satisfaction and well-being levels among the test intervals. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate risk factors for lower satisfaction. Results The study enrolled 250 patients. The lowest baseline BREAST-Q score was reported for “satisfaction with breast” (mean, 61 ± 19), but this increased postoperatively (mean, 66 ± 18) and was maintained at the 1 year follow-up evaluation (mean, 67 ± 21). “Physical well-being” decreased from T1 (mean, 82 ± 17) to T2 (mean, 28 ± 13) and did not recover much by T3 (mean, 33 ± 13), being the lowest BREAST-Q score postoperatively and in the 1-year follow-up evaluation. In multiple regression, baseline psychosocial well-being, body mass index (BMI), and type of incision were risk factors for lower “satisfaction with breasts.” Conclusion Both the aesthetic/surgery-related and psychological aspects are equally important with regard to “satisfaction with breasts” after BCT. The data could serve as the benchmark for future studies.

scholarly journals Vulva Cancer Treatment with Cryosurgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mauro JE ◽  
Storino C ◽  
Bianconi MI ◽  
Farah C ◽  
D’Atri FJ
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Vulvar Cancer ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Safety Margin ◽  
Previous Treatment ◽  
Complete Healing ◽  
High Morbidity

Vulvar cancer represents 4% to 5% of Low Genital Tract Tumors (LGTT) and 1% of all cancers in women. Treatment depends on stage, and when possible surgery is preferable. Advanced cancers require large resections (with needs grafts and-or rotating flaps), radio and/or chemotherapy, all of which can lead to high morbidity and quality of life impairment. To minimize these effects, in 1994, we developed a cryosurgery prospective protocol to manage vulvar cancer in patients with comorbid conditions.Patients and Methods: Between 1994 and 2019 we treated n=41 patients: FIGO stages I: n=2 (4.88%) II: n=9 (21.95%), III: n=28 (68.29%), IV: n=2 (4.88%). Median age 64.3 (28 to 90 years old), and 70% were 70 years old or older, 59% had severe comorbidities (diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive user).Cryosurgery Protocol:Firstly, tumor resection, hemostasis, and 2 rapid freezing- slow thawing cycles with Liquid Nitrogen (LN) spray. The cycles should include the logde and a 1.5 cm safety margin. After complete healing (between 45 and 95 days after cryosurgery), nodes are treated according to FIGO stages. Result:All patients after the effects of the anesthesia were able to urinate spontaneously, walk, had minimal analgesic requirements, with good postoperative. The patients remained in the hospital for one or two days, and with rare exceptions, were discharged the following day with controls twice a week at the hospital. None of the patients required flaps or grafts to repair the treated areas. After complete healing they maintained the vulvar sensitivity and considerably improved their quality of life. Some of them, who had a partner, were able to resume their sexual intercourse.Mean follow-up: 55.39 (3 months to 258 months). Five patients had local recurrences between 12 and 72 months after treatment, and were controlled with a new cryosurgery. Six patients had HPV related lesions located in other areas of the lower genital tract, which were also controlled with cryosurgery. Twenty five of them died 19 due to an unrelated cause of death, and 6 due to disease progression in the nodes without vulvar recurrence, 9 patients survived and were free of disease with a mean follow-up of 53 months. Seven patients, after a disease free follow up of 17.2 months, weren ́t able to be controlled, as they lived more than 400 km way from the hospital. Local control was achieved in all patients.Comments: Cryosurgery can be done after any previous treatment, and can be repeated to control recurrences.Conclusion: Given the simplicity of the technique, its low cost, the possibility of being used in patients with multiple co-morbidities, the absence of major complications, and the anatomical and functional results obtained, we believe that cryosurgery can be considered among the best options to control of vulvar cancer, even large or advanced cases, in elderly patients and-or with severe comorbidities.

Designing a Masterclass in free flap surgery for head and neck surgeons: Our experience

Microsurgery ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 929-929
Author(s):  
Karim Tewfik ◽  
Alfonso Manfuso ◽  
Lazzaro Cassano ◽  
Nicola Pederneschi ◽  
Chiara Copelli
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Flap Surgery ◽  
Free Flap Surgery
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