Surgical wound complications after intensive chemoradiotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
OBJECTIVE
To define the rate of complications from surgery following intensive chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.


METHODS
The medical records of 131 consecutive patients treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from 1995 through 2002 were reviewed. Thirty-eight patients underwent 50 surgical procedures. Thirty-seven neck dissections were performed either for persistent disease, initial neck stage N2 or greater, recurrent disease, or electively as part of salvage surgery for the primary site. Thirteen salvage operations were performed for persistent or recurrent disease at the primary site.


METHODS
Academic tertiary care referral center.


METHODS
A total of 131 consecutive patients treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (mean age at diagnosis, 53 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE; Rate of complications from surgery.


RESULTS
Wound complications occurred in 4 (11%) of 38 patients and 5 (10%) of 50 procedures. Major wound complications occurred in 3 (8%) of 38 patients. Minor wound complications occurred in 2 patients (5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Surgery can be safely performed after intensive chemoradiotherapy.
Morgan
Justin E
JE
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA. Morganjk99@msn.com
Breau
Randall L
RL
Suen
James Y
JY
Hanna
Ehab Y
EY
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016879:Salvage Therapy