Free flap head and neck reconstruction: Feasibility in older patients.

Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the perioperative morbidity of free flap head and neck reconstructive surgery in patients aged 70 years and over (Group A) by comparison with a cohort of younger patients (Group B). Secondary objectives included assessment of survival rates and functional outcomes in these older patients, likewise by comparison with a cohort of younger patients.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all patients aged 70 years and over who underwent free flap reconstruction between 2012 and 2017.