Clinical research in head and neck reconstruction.
Reconstructive head and neck surgery is not unlike other surgical fields in its paucity of clinical research. Difficulties exist in the design and execution of surgical studies, and there are many challenges and limitations that must be addressed. In this article, the types of studies that make up head and neck reconstructive literature are reviewed, as well as the evolution toward the use of quality-of-life scales, which measure patients' satisfaction with their state of health and function.
Levis
Carolyn
C
Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Room G820, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada. levisc@mcmaster.ca
Archibald
Stuart
S
D035843:Biomedical Research; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design