End to Side Venous Anastomosis Using Marking Technique for Microvascular Free Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction: a Study of 75 Cases

Background Microvascular anastomotic patency is fundamental to head and neck free flap reconstructive success. The aims of this study were to identify factors associated with intraoperative arterial anastomotic issues and analyze the impact on subsequent complications and cost in head and neck reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review was performed on all head and neck free flap reconstructions from 2005 to 2013. Patients with intraoperative, arterial anastomotic difficulties were compared with patients without. Postoperative outcomes and costs were analyzed to determine factors associated with microvascular arterial complications. A regression analysis was performed to control for confounders. Results Total 438 head and neck free flaps were performed, with 24 (5.5%) having intraoperative arterial complications. Patient groups and flap survival between the two groups were similar. Free flaps with arterial issues had higher rates of unplanned reoperations (p < 0.001), emergent take-backs (p = 0.034), and major surgical (p = 0.002) and respiratory (p = 0.036) complications. The overall cost of reconstruction was nearly double in patients with arterial issues (p = 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that African American race (OR = 5.5, p < 0.009), use of vasopressors (OR = 6.0, p = 0.024), end-to-side venous anastomosis (OR = 4.0, p = 0.009), and use of internal fixation hardware (OR =3.5, p = 0.013) were significantly associated with arterial complications. Conclusion Intraoperative arterial complications may impact complications and overall cost of free flap head and neck reconstruction. Although some factors are nonmodifiable or unavoidable, microsurgeons should nonetheless be aware of the risk association. We recommend optimizing preoperative comorbidities and avoiding use of vasopressors in head and neck free flap cases to the extent possible.

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S171 – Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction: Changing Trends

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1016/j.otohns.2008.05.345 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽

pp. P133-P133

Author(s):

Rene M Pena ◽

Paul Dae-Gwon Kim ◽

Mark R Rowe

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Plastic Surgery ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Free Flaps ◽

Head And Neck Reconstruction ◽

Microvascular Reconstruction ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Neck Reconstruction ◽

Case Number ◽

Microvascular Free Flaps

Objectives The practice of head and neck reconstruction has been evolving over the past 15 years with the introduction of new surgical techniques, and increasing options for tissue harvest. We sought to investigate corresponding trends in the disciplines performing head and neck microvascular reconstruction. Methods 2 specialties for the proportion of head and neck microvascular reconstruction were compared: those performed by otolaryngologists and those done by plastics surgery. A 3-part study was performed to evaluate these trends: 1) Total case number of microvascular cases of otolaryngology residents and plastic surgery residents over the last 4 years was evaluated through the ACGME national data; 2) A poll of the percentage of otolaryngology residency programs that have their own microvascular reconstructive surgeon, and if that surgeon was hired within the last 5 years; and 3) The number of scientific articles published relating to microvascular head and neck reconstruction were systematically queried for 2 timeframes, (1995–2000) and (2002–2007). Results The national number of cases has steadily increased in the last 5 years. It has slowly increased compared to plastic surgery, but when all flaps are evaluated, it is not significant. We also found that the number of peer-reviewed articles relating to microvascular free flaps authored by otolaryngologists has increased. The data from the polls are still pending. Conclusions There is an increasing trend emerging in the practice of head and neck microvascular reconstruction, with an increase number of articles being authored and increased number of surgeries being performed by otolaryngolo-gists, compared to plastic surgeons.

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