Development and evaluation of a holistic surgical head and neck cancer post-treatment follow-up clinic using touchscreen technology-Feasibility study.

The efficacy of traditional follow-up care is being challenged, as cancer survivors' supportive and psychological needs are often neither identified, nor addressed. This study's aim was to develop a holistic surgical follow-up clinic for oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients were participants completed a disease-specific health-related quality of life tool (UWQOLv4) and item prompt list (Patient Concern Inventory) on a touchscreen computer. Information generated was used to focus the consultation on patient's identified needs and concerns.

Versatility of the proximally pedicled anterolateral thigh flap and its use in complex abdominal and pelvic reconstruction.

Background: The anterolateral thigh flap was described by Song et al. in 1984. Although more usually used as a free flap, it also has remarkable versatility as a pedicled flap.

Versatility of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap.

The pedicled anterolateral thigh flap is a useful addition to our armamentarium. It provides excellent cover for defects in the lower abdomen, pelvis, and perineum. It also has the added advantage of not sacrificing any muscle, thereby minimizing the risk for donor morbidity.

Resurfacing of colour-mismatched free flaps on the face with split-thickness skin grafts from the scalp.

Free-tissue transfer is commonly used in micro-vascular head and neck reconstruction. In a significant proportion of cases, the reconstruction involves the placement of a conspicuous, colour-mismatched skin paddle on the face. This article presents our experience in resurfacing of free flaps on the face in seven patients, using split-thickness skin grafts harvested from the scalp.

Which venous system to choose for anastomosis in head and neck reconstructions?

It has been postulated that venous thrombosis in free flap surgery necessitates the use of 2 venous anastomoses into different venous systems. We retrospectively analyzed a single surgeon's 10-year experience (August 1993 to August 2003) in primary free flap reconstruction for malignant tumors of the head and neck. Of 492 primary reconstructions that did not need a vein graft, vein loop, or cephalic turnover procedure, 251 used the internal jugular venous system as venous outflow, 140 used the subclavian system as outflow, and 101 used both.