XXXX of fibular free flaps in mandibular reconstruction: an analysis of 25 consecutive cases.

@entity1 @entity39 @entity7190 @entity260 @entity1410 @entity292 @entity7439
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze complications following fibular free flap (FFF) transfer for mandibular reconstruction using our definition of @entity260 . STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. @entity1 AND METHODS: This retrospective study presents our 4-year experiences with FFF for mandibular reconstruction by a single microsurgical team. Data were collected through @entity1 record review and clinical evaluation by 2 independent assessors. We defined complications as any unwanted postoperative outcomes that compromised @entity1 care. Early complication occurred within the first 2 weeks postoperatively; late complications occurred afterward. RESULTS: Of 25 @entity1 included, 13 @entity1 (56%) experienced complications. Early and late complications occurred in 13 and 9 @entity1 , respectively. These included flap loss, malunion, skin-paddle @entity39 , @entity292 , wound dehiscence, @entity1410 , soft tissue contracture, intraoral hair growth, @entity7439 , @entity7190 , donor-site morbidity, and medical complications. Revision surgeries were performed in 10 @entity1 , ranging from wound dressing to flap removal. All but 2 flaps survived, yielding an overall success rate of 92%. Most of the @entity1 were alive without disease (92%) at the end of the study. Average follow-up was 47.2 months (range: 26-77). CONCLUSION: Despite the small number of @entity1 , these preliminary data suggest a relatively high frequency of complications following the FFF reconstruction based on our definition. Minor complications are common and should not be neglected because they may lead to devastating consequences. This should also be a part of informed consent for @entity1 . Complications after the FFF transfer await keen evaluation to establish guidelines to improve end results.
