Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer For Head And Neck Reconstruction In Children: Part I

Keywords

Craniofacial abnormalities; Free tissue flaps; Head and neck neoplasms; Microsurgery; Pediatrics; Reconstructive surgical procedures

Abstract

Background: Limited outcome data exist regarding the survival of microvascular free flaps for head and neck reconstruction in children. The objectives of this study were to perform a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis comparing the survival of the most commonly used free flaps used for head and neck reconstruction in children. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted using various keywords up to January 1, 2015. Metaanalysis was used to compare the survival of the most commonly used free flaps. The primary predictor variable was free flap type. The primary outcome variable was flap failure. The pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was estimated using a Mantel-Haenszel, fixed-effects model. Results: The authors reviewed 25,303 abstracts. Five studies met inclusion criteria. A total of 646 children received a total of 694 free flaps. The pooled survival rate among all free flaps was 96.4%. The fibula free flap (fibula) and subscapular system free flaps (scapula) were the most commonly used flaps. There was no difference in survival when comparing the scapula (RR0.59, 95% CI: 0.26, 1.56, P0.29), or fibula (RR1.91, 95% CI: 0.55, 6.65, P0.31) to other free flaps, or when comparing the scapula to the fibula (RR2.29; 95% CI: 0.40, 13.08, P0.35). Conclusions: Free tissue transfer is highly successful in children. Although data are limited, there appears to be no difference in survival among various free flaps used for head and neck reconstruction in children.

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Publication Title

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

Volume

27

Issue

4

Number of Pages

846-856

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000002515

Socpus ID

84965055032 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84965055032

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