Objective:

Even though it is the most effective treatment method for head and neck cancers, extensive resection may lead to some defects, which may be from time to time sizeable and trouble-making in terms of cosmetics and functionality. Various reconstruction techniques are in use to recover these defects, and to ensure maintenance of cosmetic appearance and functional ability. It is the objective of this study to detect localization and utilization rates of such reconstruction techniques as are needed to reconstruct the defects that may emerge either after excision of head and neck cancers or during post-operative period defects.

Material and Methods:

Thirty-nine patients, who underwent surgical operation due to head and neck cancer and to whom nearby and distant flap techniques were applied at Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital over the period 2006- 2013, were enrolled in the study. The patients under consideration have been evaluated and classified in terms of tumor size, localization and reconstruction technique used. The patients treated outside of our reconstruction clinic and head and neck cancers not requiring reconstruction are left out of the scope of this study. Special emphasis is laid on the techniques an otorhinolaryngologist may apply without the need for assistance of any other department.

Results:

Our sample is formed by 12 female and 27 male patients with an average age of 57.7 (15-89). Localization of tumors has the following distribution among cases: 6 auricular ca (15 %), 3 lip ca (7.5 %), 5 tongue ca (12.5 %), 10 nasal skin ca (25 %), 6 maxilla ca (15 %), 4 salivary gland ca (10 %), 3 face skin ca (7.5 %) and 3 mandible ca (7.5 %). Tumor size is found to be T1 in 17 patients (47 %), T2 in 14 patients (38 %), T3 in 2 patients (5 %) and T4 in 3 patients (8 %). On the other hand, 3 patients in the sample underwent reconstruction with myocutaneous distant flap for the repair of pharyngocutaneous fistula following total laryngectomy.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, proximity to surgical site and defect size are found to be primary effects in determining the reconstruction technique selected. Our motive to prefer local progression flaps for head and neck reconstruction is based on proximity to surgical site, lower rates of complication and shorter periods of surgical operation. It is very pleasing for us to see the patients satisfied with cosmetic and functional outcomes after application of reconstruction with local progression flaps in head and neck area.

Keywords: head and neck cancers, flaps, reconstruction techniques