Postoperative infections associated with microvascular free flaps in head and neck reconstruction: Analysis of risk factors and results with a standardized prophylaxis protocol.

Currently, large defects of the head and neck regions are mainly reconstructed using microvascular free flap. Postoperative infections, including surgical site infections (SSIs) and medical postoperative infections (MPI), are important causes of morbidity and worsening of surgical outcomes. The authors aimed to analyze the results obtained using a standardized prophylaxis protocol in a series of 100 consecutive patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction surgery between 2016 and 2021 at a single institution, to identify the risk factors, which could be overcome, to minimize the incidence of infectious complications.

Implant Dental Rehabilitation of Fibula-Free Flap Reconstructed Jaws.

Background: The possibility of placing dental fixtures in the reconstructed regions allows us to overcome the problems related to dental rehabilitation with removable prosthesis. The aim of this study was to assess the clinic-radiological outcome in a series of patients who underwent fibula flap jaws reconstruction and rehabilitation with implant-supported prosthesis with a minimum follow-up of 24 months.

Material And Methods: The study included 10 patients who underwent reconstruction with fibula free flap between 2010 and 2018.

The Shape of Things to Come: In-Hospital Three-Dimensional Printing for Mandibular Reconstruction Using Fibula Free Flap.

Objectives/hypothesis: The aim of this study was to explore whether the production of in-hospital, low-cost surgical cutting guides would be possible and to assess different cutting guide shapes to facilitate the surgery and the application with instruments.

Study Design: Cohort study.

Methods: Using free computer-aided design software, surgical cutting guides for the mandible and fibula were designed and used to perform virtual segmental osteotomies and fibula transplants in seven patients.

Prospective assessment of taste impairment and nausea during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Dysgeusia and nausea are common side effects observed in head and neck cancer patients treated with either exclusive radiotherapy or combined modality treatment. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate dysgeusia, during treatment and follow-up, using the chemotherapy-induced taste alteration scale (CiTAS), a metrics based on 18-items exploring three dimensions (quantitative and qualitative changes in taste perception, and diet-related issues) identified through a four-factor analysis: decline in basic taste, discomfort, phantogeusia-parageusia, and general taste alterations. Moreover, we scored, according to Common Toxicity Criteria Adverse Events, nausea and other treatment-related toxicities.

Prospective assessment of oral mucositis and its impact on quality of life and patient-reported outcomes during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common acute side effect during radiotherapy treatments for head and neck cancer (HNC), with a potential impact on patient's compliance to therapy, quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes. Its timely and appropriate management is of paramount importance. Several quantitative scoring scales are available to properly assess OM and its influence on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and QoL.