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Free tissue transfer reconstruction of the head and neck at a Veterans Affairs hospital
Author(s) -
Myers Larry L.,
Sumer Baran D.,
Defatta Robert J.,
Minhajuddin Abu
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20817
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck , veterans affairs , intensive care unit , surgery , free flap , population , free flap reconstruction , university hospital , intensive care medicine , environmental health
Background The Veterans Affairs (VA) population is considered to have generally poorer health than its non‐VA counterpart. Methods We reviewed our experience with 55 consecutive patients undergoing free tissue transfers for head and neck reconstruction at the Dallas VA Hospital between July 2000 and September 2006, with 6 months' follow‐up. Results The overall success rate was 93% (51 of 55 flaps). Factors affecting flap survival were fasciocutaneous flap versus others ( p = .01) and minimal versus excessive intraoperative crystalloid administration ( p = .03). Nine different flaps were used. Major and minor complications occurred in 33% ( n = 18) and 31% ( n = 17) patients, respectively. Average intensive care unit and hospital stays were 7.4 and 16.0 days, respectively. Conclusions Free flaps for head and neck reconstructions in the VA population can be performed with excellent success rates. Complication rates and hospital days in this population are similar to those of the non‐VA populations. Flap selection and administration of minimal intraoperative fluids are important. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008