Review badges
2 pre-pub reviews
0 post-pub reviews
Abstract

Extensive defects in the head and neck area often require the use of advanced free flap reconstruction techniques. In this study, the thoracodorsal perforator-scapular free flap technique based on the angular artery (TDAP-Scap-aa flap) was postoperatively evaluated regarding the quality of life and the donor site morbidity using the standardized SF-36 and DASH questionnaires (short form health 36 and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scores). Over a five-year period (2016-2020), 20 selected cases (n = 20) requiring both soft and hard tissue reconstruction were assessed. On average, the harvested microvascular free flaps consisted of 7.8 +/- 2.1 cm hard tissue and 86 +/- 49.8 cm(2) soft tissue components. At the donor site (subscapular region), only a mild morbidity was observed (DASH score: 21.74 +/- 7.3 points). When comparing the patients' postoperative quality of life to the established values of the healthy German norm population, the observed SF-36 values were within the upper third (>66%) of these established norm values in almost all quality-of-life subcategories. The mild donor site morbidity and the observed quality of life indicate only a small postoperative impairment when using the TDAP-Scap-aa free flap for the reconstruction of extensive maxillofacial defects.

Authors

Wallner, Juergen;  Rieder, Marcus;  Schwaiger, Michael;  Remschmidt, Bernhard;  Zemann, Wolfgang;  Pau, Mauro

Publons users who've claimed - I am an author
Contributors on Publons
  • 1 author
  • 2 reviewers