Complications of double free flap and free flap combined with locoregional flap in head and neck reconstruction: A systematic review. Issue 3 (15th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Collin L.; Zenga, Joseph; Roland, Lauren T.; Pipkorn, Patrik
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 40:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 632
• Page End: 646
• Publication Date: 2017-11-15
• Subjects: double flap -- free flap -- head and neck -- locoregional flap -- microvascular; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.25005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this clinical review was to assess the feasibility of reconstructing complex head and neck defects with 2 or more free flaps simultaneously. Methods: A total of 38 articles were reviewed. The patient population included those who received 2 or more free flaps or a single free flap plus a locoregional flap. The primary outcome assessed was rate of complications. Results: Among double flaps, the minor complication rate was 6.96% and the major complication rate was 20.0%. In comparison, the free flap plus locoregional flap group had higher rates of minor and major complications of 30.4% and 29.5%, respectively. The median operating time was 660 minutes for double flaps and 602 minutes for free flap plus locoregional flap ( P = .828). Conclusion: Compared to the single free flap plus locoregional flap, double free flaps are relatively reliable without increasing surgical complications or decreasing flap survival, while only modestly increasing operating times.