Analysis of 30 consecutive free flap transplantation for head and neck reconstruction in paediatric patients / 华西口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the reliability and feasibility of free flap transfer for head and neck reconstruction in the paediatric patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty consecutive free flap transfer performed in 28 patients younger than 15 years-old were reviewed. Data concerning the operation included date of surgery, defect description and site, stage and histology of tumor, flap type, recipient vessel and complications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average age of patients was 12.3 years-old, with age ranged from 5 to 15. There were 19 males and 9 females. Four kinds of free flap were used. The free fibula flap was most commonly used, followed by free radial forearm flap, rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, and free scapular flap. The overall success rate of the flaps was 93.3%. The overall complication rate was 36.7%. The vessel thrombosis rate was 6.7%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Free flap transfer in the paediatric patients for head and neck reconstruction is safe and reliable. There is no difference between the normal patients and paediatric patients in the success rate and complication rate.</p>