title: [Morbidity and the morphofunctional aspects of myocutaneous flaps used in the head and neck area].
abstract: The authors analysed the data obtained from their experiences in extensive head and neck resections as well as reconstructive treatments using myocutaneous flaps. They tried to evaluate the reconstructive approach in terms of morbidity and functional results. Sixty-nine patients, treated from January 90 to November 92 for advances intra-oral cancer, were considered in this study. The reconstructive procedure in 68 cases was the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap while in 5 cases the trapezius flap was utilized. Even though the oncological results were poor, the functional ones were quite encouraging. In fact, the assessment of speech and swallowing was extremely satisfactory in 83% of the cases. The morbidity related to both flap procedures was low and the patients' life quality was good. Indeed, the use of a free flap offers additional advantages, without necessarily compromising safety of the reconstruction. Free flaps in general allow greater leeway in flap design and donor-site choice than pedicled flaps. Several reports have already demonstrated the versatility, usefulness and reliability of these flaps, especially in intra-oral reconstruction. The intricate nature of microsurgery and the expense of microsurgical equipment inhibit this kind surgery in many institutions around the world where the standard myocutaneous flaps would be a more practical procedure. In conclusion, even those patients with a poor prognosis may be considered potential candidates for demolitive and reconstructive treatment with which satisfactory results may be obtained.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Chirurgia Plastica e Ricostruttiva, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Regina Elena, Roma.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pompei
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Caravelli
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Palma
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marzetti
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marzetti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology*; D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
vernacular_title: Morbilità e aspetti morfo-funzionali in 73 lembi mio-cutanei utilizzati nel distretto cervico-facciale.