Microvascular transplants in head and neck reconstruction: 3D evaluation of XXXX .

@entity1 @entity1697 @entity7487 @entity393 @entity18246
BACKGROUND: Despite oversized latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction in the head and neck area, esthetic and functional problems continue to exist due to the well-known occurrence of transplant shrinkage. The purpose of this study was to acquire an estimation of the volume and time of the shrinkage process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The assessment of @entity393 was performed using a 3D evaluation of two postoperative CT scans. A retrospective review was conducted on all latissimus dorsi free flap reconstructions performed between 2004 and 2013. Inclusion criteria for the assessment were: resection of an @entity1697 and microsurgical defect coverage with latissimus dorsi free flap; a first postoperative CT ( @entity7487 ) performed between 3 weeks and a maximum of 3 months after reconstruction surgery; and an additional CT scan ( @entity18246 ) performed at least one year postoperatively. The exclusion criterion was surgical intervention in the local area between the acquisition of @entity7487 and @entity18246 . The effect of adjuvant radiation therapy was considered. Volume determination of the transplant was carried out in @entity7487 and @entity18246 by manual segmentation of the graft. RESULTS: Fifteen @entity1 were recruited. 3D evaluation showed an average @entity393 of 34.4%. In the consideration of postoperative radiotherapy the volume reduction was 39.2% in @entity1 with radiotherapy and 31.3% in @entity1 without radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction flap volume required for overcorrection of the surgical defect was investigated. This study indicates that a @entity393 of more than 30% could be expected one or more years after latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction. Clinical trial number DRKS00007534.
