[Head and neck reconstructive surgery with free flaps and quality of life: a prospective study].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate functional results and quality of life after head and neck reconstructive surgery with free flaps.


METHODS
All patients who have beneficed of head and neck reconstructive procedures with free flaps during the year 2004 were included in this study. EORTC quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30/H&N35) was used before and 6 months after surgery. A head and neck functional evaluation was realized 6 months after surgery.


RESULTS
Thirty four patients were examinate 6 months after surgery. Global quality of life remained at its preoperative level (61.3% VS 62.8%). Physical, role and social functioning decreased significantly (p = 0.05), but emotional and cognitive functioning remained stable. Pain decreased considerably after treatment in the head and neck area (p = 0.001). Oral (eating: p = 0.05, speaking: p = 0.008) and sensorial functions (p = 0.001) decreased after treatment. All patients except one have recovered sufficient oral intakes, an intelligible speech and a good cosmetic result.


CONCLUSIONS
Functional and cosmetic results after head and neck reconstructive surgery are the key factors of quality of life. Free flaps are considered actually as an indispensable technique to achieve an optimal reconstruction.
Bozec
A
A
Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Département d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et de Chirurgie Carcinologique de la Face et du Cou, 33 avenue de Valombrose, F-06189 Nice cedex, France. alexandre.bozec@nice.fnclcc.fr
Poissonnet
G
G
Converset
S
S
Lattes
L
L
Chamorey
E
E
Demard
F
F
Dassonville
O
O
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires