Submental island flap vs free tissue transfer in oral cavity reconstruction: Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Issue 8 (24th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hu, Shirley; Fan, Caleb; Pecchia, Brandon; Rosenberg, Joshua D.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 42:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: 2155
• Page End: 2164
• Publication Date: 2020-02-24
• Subjects: free tissue transfer -- head and neck reconstruction -- oral cavity -- radial forearm free flap -- submental island flap; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The submental island flap (SMIF) is frequently utilized as an alternative to free tissue transfer (FTT) in oral cavity reconstruction. Methods: Studies directly comparing SMIF and FTT for oral cavity defects were included. Data were pooled with random‐effects meta‐analysis to calculate standardized mean differences and risk differences. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I 2 statistic. Results: Five studies were included in the analysis. The aggregate sample sizes for SMIF and FTT cohorts were 122 and 127, respectively. SMIF was correlated with both reduced operative time and hospitalization by a large effect size. The rate of total flap loss was comparable. SMIF was associated with lower donor site morbidity. There was no difference in the rate of disease recurrence between the two procedures. Conclusions: SMIF is associated with less operative time, shorter hospitalization, fewer perioperative complications, and potentially similar disease recurrence rates compared to FTT for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects.