[Influence of prior radiotherapy on free tissue transfer in head and neck region].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the influence of prior radiotherapy on free tissue transfer in head and neck region.


METHODS
One thousand and sixty-six consecutive free flap transfers performed in 1007 patients in head and neck region from May 1999 to March 2005 were reviewed. Among the 1007 cases, 146 had a history of prior radiotherapy (radiation group), and the other 896 without prior radiotherapy (non-radiation group). The two groups were compared in terms of free flap success rate and postoperative complication rate.


RESULTS
The success rate of free flap was 97.6% in the radiation group, and 98.4% in the non-radiation group. The postoperative complication rate was 38.4% in the radiation group, and 36.4% in the non-radiation group.


CONCLUSIONS
Prior radiotherapy poses no significant influence on free tissue transfer in head and neck region.
Mao
Chi
C
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China. maochicn2000@yahoo.com.cn
Peng
Xin
X
Zhang
Lei
L
Yu
Guang-yan
GY
Guo
Chuan-bin
CB
Huang
Min-xian
MX
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D055815:Young Adult