title: Health-related quality of life, surgical and aesthetic outcomes following microvascular free flap reconstructions: an 8-year institutional review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Microvascular free flap reconstruction has revolutionised the reconstruction of complex defects of traumatic, oncological, congenital and infectious aetiologies. Complications of microvascular free flap procedures impact negatively on patient post-operative course and outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective analysis of 102 consecutive patients undergoing 108 free flap procedures at a tertiary referral centre over an 8-year period. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors predictive of free flap complications. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Short Form 36 questionnaire and a satisfaction visual analogue scale respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 108 free tissue transfers were performed; 23% were fasciocutaneous free flaps, 69% musculocutaneous and 8% osteoseptocutaneous. The overall flap success rate was 92.6%. Over a third of patients (34.3%) had flap-related complications ranging from minor wound dehiscence to total flap loss. ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade ≥2 (OR: 16.9, 95% CI: 15.3-18.1, p<0.009), history of smoking (OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 5.5-7.2, p<0.049), body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) (OR: 21.3, 95% CI: 20.8-22.1, p<0.003), low albumin (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-3.9, p<0.003) and peripheral vascular disease (OR: 6.9, 95% CI: 5.9-7.5, p<0.036) were identified as factors independently predictive of free flap complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients undergoing uncomplicated free flap surgery and those reporting superior post-operative flap aesthesis have higher HRQoL scores. Microvascular free tissue transfer has revolutionised our approach to the reconstruction of complex defects, providing a safe, reliable procedure to restore functionality and quality of life for patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. roshdolan@hotmail.com
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Dolan
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Cronin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult