Safety of microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction of the head and neck in the setting of chronic pharmacologic immunosuppression. Issue 7 (19th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Ray; Horwich, Peter; Sandulache, Vlad C.; Hernandez, David J.; Hornig, Joshua; Graboyes, Evan M.; Liou, Nelson E.; Skoner, Judith; Haskins, Angela D.; Ranasinghe, Viran; Day, Terry A.; Sturgis, Erich M.; Huang, Andrew T.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 44:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1520
• Page End: 1527
• Publication Date: 2022-04-19
• Subjects: free flap -- head and neck cancer -- immunosuppression -- microvascular surgery -- organ transplant; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.27049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Patients on chronic pharmacologic immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of wound infection and complications after surgery. There is a paucity of data examining perioperative complications after microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) reconstruction of the head and neck in this patient population. Methods: Retrospective cohort study performed at two tertiary referral centers between August 2016 and May 2020. Results: Nine hundred and seventy‐nine patients underwent MVFTT during the study period; of these 47 (5%) patients were taking chronic immunosuppressive medications. The most common indications for immunosuppression were solid organ transplant and autoimmune disease. Fourteen (30%) patients had surgical complications within 30 days of surgery: 8 (17%) wound dehiscences, 6 (12%) hematomas, and 2 (4%) surgical site infections. There was one total and one partial flap failure with a 30‐day reoperation rate of 4%. Conclusions: MVFTT of the head and neck appears to be safe in patients on chronic pharmacologic immunosuppression.