[Influence of radiotherapy on reconstruction flaps in oral and maxillofacial regions].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of radiotherapy on reconstruction flaps in oral and maxillofacial regions and the radiation tolerance of flaps, and therefore provide clinical information for perioperative radiotherapy.


METHODS
Sixty-six free flaps and 22 pedicled flaps were used in the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial tumor defects. The success and healing of the total 88 reconstruction flaps(14 flaps in preoperative radiation group and 74 flaps in postoperative radiation group) were observed. The acute and late side effects of radiotherapy in the flaps of the postoperative group were studied as well.


RESULTS
Of the preoperative 14 flaps, 12 were successful (85.7%), one partially successful and one failed. Of the postoperative 74 flaps, however, 73 were successful (98.6%) and only one partially successful. No total loss of the flap was noted in the postoperative group. The success and healing rates in the preoperative group were lower than those in the postoperative group significantly (P < 0.01-0.05). The rate of acute radiation response of flaps in the postoperative group was significantly lower than that in the surrounding normal tissues(35.1% versus 83.8%, P < 0.01). The late side effects of radiotherapy were rare. The radiation tolerance in different kinds of flaps was similar.


CONCLUSIONS
Reconstruction flaps in oral and maxillofacial regions have a good radiation tolerance and routine postoperative radiation doses can be safely delivered.
Wang
Z
Z
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200011.
Qiu
W
W
Huang
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing