抄録
We evaluated reliability of the free flap for head and neck reconstruction and postoperative complications in elderly patients.
From 1999 to 2012, in Osaka National Hospital, 161 patients underwent reconstruction of defects at sites ranging from the oral cavity to the hypopharynx using free flap transfer. They comprised 23 patients aged ≥ 75 years ( group I ) and 138 patients aged <75 years ( group II ). The effects of age on microvascular anastomosis, and on local and general complications were assessed.
There were approximately twice the number of general complications and an increase in local complications in group I relative to group II, but these were not statistically significant differences. The microvascular anastomosis success rate was identical in the two groups with a flap survival rate of 100% in both. Logistic regression showed that advanced age did not affect microvascular anastomosis or local and general complication rates. History of surgical invasion to the reconstructed site had an effect on local complications.
There was no statistically significant intergroup difference in local and general complication rates, although group I had a higher rate of general complications. The free flap is a safe and reliable method for the elderly.
