Background: Despite advances in surgical techniques, postoperative complications are frequent after free flap surgery for cancer of the head and neck. The present study assessed quality of life (QOL) in patients with and without postoperative complications.
Methods: QOL was evaluated using RAND-36, EORTC-C30 and H&N-35, and UW-QOL questionnaires.
Results: Of 53 assessed patients, 29 (54.7%) had at least one complication. Those with medical complications (n = 12, 22.6%) had significantly lower QOL in all domains of RAND-36 except emotional well-being. They also reported lower scores in EORTC-C30 domains of financial difficulties, pain, and insomnia and UW-QOL domains of pain, activity, and recreation. The QOL for patients without complications was comparable to the general population.
Conclusion: QOL after free flap surgery for cancer of the head and neck is reduced in patients with postoperative medical complications.
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