Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · May 2018
Outcome predictors in elderly head and neck free flap reconstruction: A retrospective study and systematic review of the current evidence.
Free flap tissue transfer has become the gold standard for reconstruction of composite head and neck defects. We sought to investigate the efficacy and morbidity of these procedures in the elderly. We retrospectively reviewed 245 head and neck free flap procedures (234 patients). ⋯ We conclude that advanced age does not preclude free flap success in head and neck reconstruction. Rather, the presence of comorbidity appears to predict the development of medical complications postoperatively. Elderly patients with low comorbidity scores may be offered free flap reconstruction with less reservation.