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Free‐Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction and Quality of Life: A 2‐Year Prospective Study
Author(s) -
Bozec Alexandre,
Poissonnet Gilles,
Chamorey Emmanuel,
Casanova Cédric,
Vallicioni Jacques,
Demard François,
Mahdyoun Pouya,
Peyrade Frédéric,
Follana Philippe,
Bensadoun RenéJean,
Benezery Karen,
Thariat Juliette,
Marcy PierreYves,
Sudaka Anne,
Dassonville Olivier
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/mlg.0b013e3181644abd
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , prospective cohort study , head and neck cancer , surgery , head and neck , radiation therapy , physical therapy , nursing
Objectives: This prospective study was designed to evaluate quality of life (QOL) after free‐flap head and neck reconstruction. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2005, a total of 95 patients underwent microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck at our Institution (Centre Antoine‐Lacassagne, Nice, France) and were initially included in this study. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire and the EORTC Head and Neck Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire were completed before surgery, and at 6 and 12 months thereafter. Sixty‐five patients completed the questionnaires on at least two of the assessment dates. Predictive factors of Quality of Life (QOL) scores at 6 months were researched among the following: age, sex, comorbidity, radiotherapy, tumor recurrence, tumor stage, and type of surgery. Results: Global QOL remained stable over time. Physical, social, and role functioning deteriorated significantly after treatment. Pain decreased markedly. Social eating, senses, and speech difficulties increased significantly at 6 months, but stabilized between 6 and 12 months. Problems concerning mouth opening and social contact augmented progressively until the 12th postoperative month. Sex, type of surgery, and radiotherapy were the main factors influencing QOL 6 months after treatment. Conclusions: Despite some functional impairments, global QOL was preserved after major head and neck ablative surgery and microvascular free‐flap reconstruction.