Open AccessAcellular Dermal Matrix Reconstruction of the Head and Neck: A Versatile Reconstructive Option
Author(s) -
Mitchell Joshua R.,
Robinson Jamie,
Rangarajan Sanjeet,
Dhulipala Sravan,
Netterville James L.,
Athavale Sanjay M.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811415823a85
Subject(s) - cosmesis , medicine , surgery , head and neck , skull , head and neck cancer , complication , radiation therapy
Objective Ablative procedures of the head and neck often result in significant contour defects. Acellular dermal matrices (ADM) are relatively resistant to infection and accommodate long term facial growth. Our objective is to confirm the benefits of acellular dermal matrix reconstruction in post‐ablative head and neck defects. Method Patients who underwent ADM reconstruction of the head and neck since 1997 were identified. Of 265 patients identified, 205 met the inclusion criteria. The pathology, surgical location, long term imaging, cosmetic outcome, and complications were analyzed. Postoperative cosmetic results were assessed by a novel patient‐based numerical grading scale. Results The mean age was 60.4 years. One hundred thirty‐two patients were male (77%) and 40 patients were female (23%). ADM were used to correct a variety of defects with the most common location being the parotid gland (n = 65) followed by the neck (n = 60), low neck/thyroid bed (n = 35), and skull base (n = 30). A majority of patients had a diagnosis of benign parotid lesions (n = 40) although numerous pathologies were identified. Only 3 patients had a complication related to their ADM recipient site (4%). The patient postoperative cosmesis survey is still pending. Conclusion With regard to function and cosmesis, ADM is an excellent head and neck reconstructive option with few complications. Moreover, ADM can be used in a variety of locations and patients tend to be very happy with their final cosmetic outcome.