Intraosseous Hemangioma of the Zygomatic Bone with Multidisciplinary Approach to Surgical Resection and Orbital Reconstruction.

Background: Intraosseous hemangiomas are rare benign tumors comprising fewer than 1% of all osseous tumors; even more uncommon are intraosseous hemangiomas of the zygomatic bone. This case reports a multidisciplinary approach for excision and reconstruction of an intraosseous hemangioma of the zygomatic bone in a 54-year-old female. Methods: Multidisciplinary approach with both otolaryngology head and neck surgery and oculofacial plastics and reconstructive surgery included right lateral canthotomy and right transconjunctival orbitotomy with en-bloc excision of the zygomatic arch, followed by reconstruction of the orbital rim, orbital floor, and eyelid with Medpor implant. Results: Final surgical pathology was consistent with intraosseous hemangioma of the zygomatic bone. At 4-month follow-up, the patient was healing well with good midface projection and without any visual deficits. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary coordinated case allowed us to meet the standard of maintaining cosmesis and function while undergoing resection of a rare tumor involving a key facial structure-the zygoma. Involvement of oculofacial plastics and reconstructive surgery service allowed for advanced eyelid reconstruction techniques to limit any functional impairment to our patient with deliberate choice of implant material for well-adhered, durable, and aesthetically optimal reconstruction of the right malar eminence, lateral orbital rim, and orbital floor defect. The postoperative result through the multidisciplinary approach was a near symmetrical facial reconstruction without any associated eyelid or globe abnormalities.

Effect of Rurality in Head and Neck Cancer: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review sought to evaluate the current literature regarding the following outcomes in relation to rurality: stage at diagnosis, clinical characteristics, treatment characteristics, and survival outcomes of head and neck cancer (HNC). DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed using PubMed (MEDLINE), Science Direct, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases. REVIEW METHODS: A 20-year study cutoff from the initial search was used to increase the comparability of the studies regarding population and standards of clinical care. These searches were designed to capture all primary studies reporting HNC incidence, presenting characteristics, treatments, and treatment outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts, selected articles for exclusion, extracted data, and appraised studies. Critical appraisal was done according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Assessment Tool for Cohort Studies. FINDINGS: Twenty eligible original articles were included. Stage at diagnosis, clinical characteristics, treatment characteristics, and survival outcomes were measured. Our review indicates that although this relationship is unclear, there may be variations in treatment choice for laryngeal cancer based on geographic location and rural residency status. The studies assessing HNC outcomes related to stage at diagnosis, clinical characteristics, treatment characteristics, and overall survival demonstrated conflicting findings, indicating a need for further research examining HNC outcomes with a focus on rurality as the main exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between HNC and rural-urban status remains unclear. More studies are needed, along with a consistent metric for measuring rurality and recruitment of comparable populations from both rural and urban areas. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Salivary Duct Carcinoma with Rhabdoid Features of the Parotid Gland with No E-Cadherin Expression: A Report with Anti-HER2 Therapy and Review of the Literature.

Salivary duct carcinoma with rhabdoid features (SDC-RF) is a rare form of salivary gland neoplasm that was recently described. We report a case of SDC-RF of the parotid gland with loss of E-cadherin and decreased ß-catenin expression in a 73-year-old male who presented with right facial/neck swelling and intermittent pain. Morphologically, the tumor presented with a discohesive infiltrate of isolated and cords of pleomorphic round cells containing moderate amount of eosinophilic to fine-vacuolated cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei infiltrating through fibroadipose tissue and salivary parenchyma. Immunophenotypically, the tumor was positive for Cytokeratins Oscar and 7, GATA3, GCDFP, HER2, and an androgen receptor but negative for CK20, S100, p40, Melan A, CDX2, TTF1, ER, SATB2, DOG1, synaptophysin, and chromogranin. Due to its diffuse infiltrating pattern, involvement of the parapharyngeal space, supraclavicular fat pad, dermis, and skin without a defined surgical target, the tumor was deemed unresectable. Anti-HER2 therapy (Herceptin and Pertuzumab) was utilized. At the last follow-up, the patient is alive, with complete locoregional control and brain metastases. An electronic search was performed in the following registries for papers published up to June 2023: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. For the database searches, the keywords searched were "salivary gland", "salivary duct carcinoma", and "salivary duct carcinoma with rhabdoid features". Our review of the literature identified 30 cases of SDC-RF that reveal there is a predilection for males (83%), parotid gland (72%), and patients older than the 6th decade of life (83%). Immunophenotypically, all SDC-RF cases except one were positive for AR and GCDFP (97%), 81% were positive for HER2, and loss or decreased expression of E-cadherin in 93% of cases. In conclusion, we described a rare case of SDF-RF of the parotid gland with no E-cadherin expression, decreased ß-catenin expression, and its immunophenotypic profile.

Botox for the prevention of radiation-induced Sialadenitis and xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To determine the safety of Botox and its potential effect on alleviating radiation therapy (RT)-induced sialadenitis in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: Twenty patients with stage III/IV head and neck cancer were randomized to receive Botox or saline injections into both submandibular glands (SMG). There were three visits: one before RT (V1); 1 week after RT (V2); and 6 weeks after RT (V3), each of which included saliva collection, a 24-h dietary recall, and a quality-of-life survey. RESULTS: No adverse events were observed. While the control group was much older, the Botox group more commonly underwent induction chemotherapy compared with controls. From V1 to V2, salivary flow decreased in both groups, but only in the control group from V1 to V3. CXCL-1 (GRO), a neutrophil chemoattractant, was lower in the Botox group compared with the control group at V3. CONCLUSION: Botox can be safely administered to the salivary glands prior to external beam radiation without observed complications or side-effects. After an initial reduction in salivary flow following RT, the Botox group showed lack of further flow reduction compared with controls. The inflammatory marker CXCL 1, which was reduced in the in Botox group at V3, may be a candidate for further studies of radiation-induced sialadenitis.

The Role of Dental Practitioners in the Management of Oncology Patients: The Head and Neck Radiation Oncology Patient and the Medical Oncology Patient.

This narrative review addresses the role of a dentist in the management of oncology patients, highlighting the oral complications that arise in head and neck radiation oncology patients and medical oncology patients. The prevention and management of these complications are discussed.

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations: University of Tennessee experience, 2012-2022.

OBJECTIVE: Head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex lesions that represent a subset of vascular anomalies (VAs). The authors present an analysis of their institutional experience managing these lesions as a multidisciplinary team. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of head and neck AVM patients treated at the authors' institution from 2012 to 2022. Recorded data included patient demographic characteristics, details of clinical presentation, Schöbinger clinical scale and Yakes AVM classification results, and details of all endovascular and surgical treatments. The primary outcome of the study was clinical response to treatment. Angiographic occlusion and complication rates were reported. Chi-square tests were used for comparative statistics. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (9 female, 56%) with AVMs of the head and neck presented from age 3 to 77 years. The Schöbinger stage was stage II in 56% of patients (n = 9) and stage III in 44% of patients (n = 7). The Yakes AVM classification was nidus type (2a, 2b, or 4) in 7 patients (43%) and fistula type (1, 3a, or 3b) in 9 patients (57%). The majority of patients (n = 11, 69.0%) were managed with embolization as the only treatment modality, with an average of 1.5 embolizations/patient (range 1-3). Surgical resection was employed in 5 patients (4 in combination with embolization). Symptom resolution and symptom control were achieved in 69% and 31% of patients, respectively, in the entire cohort. A radiographic cure was demonstrated in 50% of patients. There were no statistical differences in clinical outcomes or radiographic cure rates between patients treated with different modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Head and neck AVMs can be treated successfully with a primarily endovascular management strategy by a multidisciplinary team with the goal of symptomatic control.

Porcine small intestine graft for reconstruction of oral defects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of porcine submucosal allograft (Biodesign Sinonasal Repair Graft [Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN]) in oral cavity and oropharynx reconstruction after ablative surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective and retrospective review of patients who underwent Biodesign Sinonasal Repair Graft reconstruction for oral and oropharyngeal surgical defects at a single institution between 2018 and 2020. A total of 11 patients were included in the study. Data points included their perioperative medical and demographic data, immediate postoperative course, and follow-up visits at 10 days and at 2 months. The clinicopathologic characteristics of their disease, postoperative esthetic, and functional outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven procedures have been performed, and all patients received Biodesign reconstruction either immediately after ablation or after they failed a previous reconstruction. None of the patients had bone exposure. The subsites included oral tongue (n = 6), floor of the mouth (n = 3), buccal mucosa (n = 1), and soft palate (n = 1). In all cases, the operations and the postoperative course were uneventful. The mean defect size was 22 cm2. The median start of oral intake was at 2 days postoperatively. The Biodesign graft healed well in all patients with no total graft loss. There was one complication that required revision surgery due to obstruction of Wharton's duct by the Biodesign material. CONCLUSIONS: Biodesign can be a viable option for small and medium-sized oral and oropharyngeal defects in patients who are medically unfit or do not want to undergo a free flap surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Outcomes of primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy is the accepted standard for treatment of advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC); however, alternative evidence suggests that definitive (chemo)radiotherapy may have similar outcomes. METHODS: Systematic review was performed to assess the therapeutic value of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy as a primary modality for treating OCSCC. Meta-analysis of outcomes was performed between articles comparing radiotherapy and primary surgical treatment. RESULTS: Meta-analysis showed less favorable results of radiotherapy compared to surgery: overall survival at 3-years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34-0.77) and 5-years (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.29-0.60); disease-specific survival at 3-years (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.32-0.96) and 5-years (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.32-0.96). Odds of feeding tube dependency were higher in primary radiotherapy group (OR = 2.67; 95% CI = 1.27-5.64). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study support the current perspective favoring primary surgical treatment for OCSCC in the absence of surgical contraindications.

Robotic-Assisted Tubular Transoral Parapharyngeal Approach to the Ventral Craniovertebral Junction.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become a routine technique for treating benign and malignant lesions of the oropharynx with the advantage of reducing morbidity compared to open surgical techniques. However, TORS has not been used routinely for accessing lesions of the spine. OBJECTIVE: To describe how TORS can be used to access spinal lesions. METHODS: We describe our technique of accessing the parapharyngeal space using the robotic technique, and then dissecting the prevertebral muscles to expose the ventral craniovertebral junction. Tubular retraction with endoscopic visualization is then employed for surgical resection. We then report a case of a 14-yr-old competitive athlete who presented with an osseous lesion of C1, which underwent resection using this novel TORS approach. RESULTS: Our patient underwent successful resection of a lateral C1 osteoid osteoma utilizing a combined TORS/endoscopic approach. She tolerated soft diet immediately and was discharged on postoperative day 2. Postoperative imaging revealed complete resection of the lesion, and she returned to competitive athletics within 6 wk. CONCLUSION: Utilizing this novel, robotic-assisted approach can definitively treat osseous cervical spine lesions while reducing morbidity, allowing for early return to normal diet and minimizing overall length of hospital stay.

Osteosarcoma of the jaw: report of 3 cases (including the rare epithelioid variant) with review of literature.

Osteosarcoma of the jaw (OSJ) is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of head and neck malignancies. OSJ can arise as a primary malignancy or secondary to locoregional radiation treatment. Radiologically, these tumors show large, destructive growth with periosteal reaction, which can suggest the diagnosis of osteosarcoma (OS). However, histology with demonstration of neoplastic, "lacelike" osteoid is the key to determining the diagnosis. Small tissue samples can complicate the diagnosis, especially in cases of high-grade OS with sheetlike growth and scant areas of immature osteoid formation. We report 3 cases of OSJ, including 1 rare case of epithelioid OS of the mandible, diagnosed at our hospital over a 6-month period: case 1: a 48-year-old male with history of Hodgkin lymphoma, who was treated with radiation and developed osteoblastic OS of the mandible 14 years later; case 2: a 79-year-old female with a history of fibrous dysplasia, who presented with a large destructive maxillary mass, which was diagnosed as histologically fibroblastic OSJ of the maxilla; and case 3: a 70-year-old male with radiation-induced high-grade epithelioid OS, which had been incorrectly diagnosed as poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma on a small biopsy specimen; this patient experienced recurrence with multiple neck nodules after treatment, underwent repeat resection, and was finally diagnosed with high-grade OS (epithelioid type).

Novel Use of Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation During Definitive Radiation Therapy: A Technical Report.

The use of biphasic cuirass ventilator supported radiation therapy has never been documented. We present the first technical report here. A 57-year-old man with obstructive sleep apnea presented with a T0N1M0 right sided, human papillomavirus related head and neck cancer diagnosed on excisional lymph node biopsy. On further workup, the cancer was found to have originated in the right tonsil and was staged as T1N1. The patient started definitive treatment with concurrent chemo-radiation therapy, but after 5 treatments was no longer able to lay in a supine position for treatment. Diagnostic imaging workup eventually revealed an idiopathic right sided hemi-diaphragm eventration. After consultation with cardiology, pulmonology, and head and neck surgery, recommendation was made for tracheostomy to tolerate supine radiotherapy position, but the patient refused. Instead, computed tomography simulation for radiotherapy replanning was performed using a combination of biphasic cuirass ventilation, home continuous positive airway pressure and oxygen. The patient then tolerated definitive treatment to a dose of 69.96 Gray in 33 fractions with concurrent chemotherapy and experienced no unexpected side effects. Although complex, daily treatment setup was consistent. Daily onboard imaging was precise and accurate. The patient continues to follow up with radiation oncology, medical oncology, and pulmonology. This is the first use of biphasic cuirass ventilator supported radiotherapy reported in the scientific literature. Although daily treatment setup is complex, its use could be considered in patients unable to tolerate radiation therapy treatment positioning as an alternative to tracheostomy.

Staging HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer: Validation of AJCC-8 in a surgical cohort.

IMPORTANCE: The American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th edition (AJCC-8) contains a new staging system for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Our study aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the AJCC-8 relative to the AJCC 7th edition (AJCC-7). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on a multi-institutional, prospectively collected dataset from two tertiary referral centers. All patients had HPV+ OPSCC treated primarily with surgery. The prognostic value of AJCC-7 and AJCC-8 were compared for 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DFS). RESULTS: AJCC-8 pathological staging effectively risk stratified patients, creating a Cox model with a better fit (lower Akaike's Information Criterion, p < 0.0001) when compared to AJCC-7 pathological stages for both OS and DFS. The AJCC-8 pathologic staging did not produce a better fit than the AJCC-8 clinical staging (p = 0.15) for OS, however, AJCC-8 pathologic was more effective than AJCC-8 clinical for DFS (p < 0.0001). 76% of patients did not change their stage between clinical and pathologic AJCC-8 staging; 14% were upstaged by 1, <1% were upstaged by 2, 7% were downstaged by 1, and 3% downstaged by 2. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The new AJCC-8 staging system represents a significant improvement over AJCC-7 for risk stratification into groups that predict overall survival and disease-specific survival of surgically treated HPV+ OPSCC patients. The AJCC- 8 pathologic staging system was not significantly better than the AJCC-8 clinical staging system for overall survival, however, the pathologic staging system was better than the clinical for disease free survival.

In-vivo optical imaging in head and neck oncology: basic principles, clinical applications and future directions.

Head and neck cancers become a severe threat to human's health nowadays and represent the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Surgery remains the first-line choice for head and neck cancer patients. Limited resectable tissue mass and complicated anatomy structures in the head and neck region put the surgeons in a dilemma between the extensive resection and a better quality of life for the patients. Early diagnosis and treatment of the pre-malignancies, as well as real-time in vivo detection of surgical margins during en bloc resection, could be leveraged to minimize the resection of normal tissues. With the understanding of the head and neck oncology, recent advances in optical hardware and reagents have provided unique opportunities for real-time pre-malignancies and cancer imaging in the clinic or operating room. Optical imaging in the head and neck has been reported using autofluorescence imaging, targeted fluorescence imaging, high-resolution microendoscopy, narrow band imaging and the Raman spectroscopy. In this study, we reviewed the basic theories and clinical applications of optical imaging for the diagnosis and treatment in the field of head and neck oncology with the goal of identifying limitations and facilitating future advancements in the field.

First bite syndrome following transcervical arterial ligation after transoral robotic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of first bite syndrome (FBS) in transoral robotic surgical (TORS) patients undergoing transcervical arterial ligation. METHODS: Retrospective case series of all patients diagnosed with FBS following prophylactic transcervical arterial ligation of branches of the external carotid system between March 2010 and December 2016 at a single academic center. RESULTS: Six patients with FBS after TORS with transcervical arterial ligation were evaluated, representing 7% of all patients who underwent neck dissection with concomitant transcervical arterial ligation (6 of 83). Median presentation of FBS was 63 days, with an average duration of 66 days. Treatment ranged from observation to botulinum toxin injection. CONCLUSION: Patients who undergo transcervical arterial ligation to minimize bleeding complications following TORS are at risk of developing first bite syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:1589-1593, 2018.

The impact of prophylactic external carotid artery ligation on postoperative bleeding after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic-assisted surgery (TORS) is increasingly utilized in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Postoperative bleeding is a significant and potentially fatal complication of TORS. Prophylactic ligation of ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA) branches is a recognized strategy to reduce postoperative bleeding risk. We examined the incidence and sequelae of postoperative oropharyngeal bleeding with and without routine ECA ligation. METHODS: OPSCC patients treated with TORS between 2010 and 2015 with minimum 30days follow up were included. Clinicopathological data, operative details, and postoperative course were abstracted for analysis. Cases of postoperative bleeding were classified as Minor, Intermediate, Major, and Severe. The incidence and severity of bleeding was compared between patients treated with and without prophylactic ECA ligation. RESULTS: Bleeding after TORS was documented in 13/201 (6.5%) patients. The majority of bleeding episodes were observed among anticoagulated or previously radiated patients. By surgeon preference, 52 patients had prophylactic ECA ligation during neck dissection while the remaining 149 patients did not. There was no significant difference in overall incidence of postoperative bleeding between patients with prophylactic ECA ligation (3/52, 5.8%) and patients without (10/149, 6.7%) [p=0.53]. However, severe bleeding complications (4, 2.0%) were only observed in patients without prophylactic ligation. CONCLUSION: A small but meaningful risk of bleeding after TORS for OPSCC exists, particularly among anticoagulated or previously radiated patients. Prophylactic ECA ligation did not significantly impact the overall incidence of postoperative bleeding but may reduce the risk of severe (life-threatening) bleeding.

Predictors of extracapsular extension in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer treated surgically.

OBJECTIVES: Extracapsular extension (ECE) in cervical metastatic lymph nodes remains an indication for adding chemotherapy for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The aim of this study is to identify specific imaging characteristics on computed tomography (CT) scan that are predictive of ECE in order to better risk stratify patients preoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single cohort study was performed using a prospectively collected database of patients with HPV-related OPSCC who underwent transoral robotic surgery with cervical lymphadenectomy. CT scans were assessed for the presence of multiple imaging characteristics, including lymph node size, number of nodes positive, cystic appearance, and border irregularity. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to analyze each variable's predictability of pathologic ECE. RESULTS: 100 patients underwent TORS with cervical lymphadenectomy for OPSCC from 2010 to 2015. Ninety-one percent (21/23) of patients with 3 or more radiologically suspicious nodes were found to have pathologic ECE, which was a significantly greater proportion than patients with fewer suspicious nodes (p<0.001). CT scans with 3 or more radiologically suspicious nodes displayed a sensitivity and specificity of 55% and 94%, respectively with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 91% for ECE. Irregular borders and age were also correlated with ECE on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The presence of 3 or more radiologically suspicious lymph nodes on CT scan has a 91% PPV for any histologic evidence of ECE. The absolute number of radiographically suspicious lymph node metastases may be a useful method for risk-stratifying patients for the presence of ECE.

Management of Carotid Blowout from Radiation Necrosis.

Although the incidence of carotid blowout has decreased with the advent of better reconstructive techniques, it remains a real risk after major head and neck surgery, especially in an irradiated field. A systematic, multidisciplinary approach incorporating appropriate history and physical examination, adequate resuscitation, diagnostic computed tomography, and diagnostic and therapeutic angiography can manage most of these patients in a safe and effective manner. Surgery has a limited role in acute management, although surgical techniques are useful both for prevention of this problem and for wound management after carotid blowout.

A history of intragastric balloons.

The history of intragastric balloons (IGBs) began in 1985 with the Garren-Edwards Bubble. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for temporary use as a weight loss device, but its manufacture was discontinued in 1988, and approval was withdrawn in 1992 because of significant complications and limited and recidivistic weight loss. A number of IGBs have appeared since that time, mostly originating in Europe or South America, but none has acquired FDA approval until recently; the ReShape Duo Integrated Dual Balloon System (ReShape Medical Inc., San Clemente, California) received FDA approval in August 2015. The conclusions of an important 1987 international conference on IGBs and the characteristics, effectiveness, and problems of most other IGBs are described in this text. The common purpose of these devices as preliminary interventions before gastric bariatric surgery and their favorable effects on this purpose are emphasized and may have played a key role in the FDA's change of outlook of the IGB.

Surgical outcomes in the elderly patient after osteocutaneous free flap transfer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Morbidity of free tissue transfer in the elderly patient is controversial. Recent studies have shown no significant difference in elderly fasciocutaneous free-flap donor site morbidity. The purpose of this study is to assess surgical outcomes in elderly patients receiving osteocutaneous free-tissue transfer. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of patients 70 years and older undergoing osteocutaneous free flaps from 2000 to 2013. METHODS: Fibular, radial forearm, and scapular flaps were reviewed. Younger patients randomly selected from the same time period served as controls. Data collected included donor site morbidity, flap complications, feeding tube and tracheostomy dependence, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Forty-four osteocutaneous free flaps were performed in elderly patients. Overall, there was no significant difference in donor site morbidity between older and younger patients (P = 0.50) (tendon exposure, P = 1.00; split-thickness skin graft loss, P = 0.36; infections, P = 0.52; dehiscence, P = 1.00; and seroma, P = 1.00). There was no significant difference between older and younger patients being decannulated (P = 0.61) or the time to decannulation (P = 0.24). There was no difference in those who returned to baseline diet (P = 0.67). All patients returned to baseline ambulatory and shoulder status. Length of postoperative hospitalization (P = 0.78) and intensive care unit stay (P = 0.94) were also equal. The only significant difference was that more elderly patients were discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) (40.9% vs. 15.9%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients undergoing free tissue transfer have similar flap and donor site outcomes, feeding tube and tracheostomy outcomes, ambulatory status, and hospital stays compared to younger patients. They are, however, more likely to require SNF care posthospitalization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.