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Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
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Long-term Outcomes After Pediatric Free Flap Reconstruction
Lee W T Alkureishi, Chad A Purnell1, Patricia Park2
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|July 6, 2018
Summary
Free tissue transfer (microvascular reconstruction) is safe and effective for children, showing reliable outcomes and good long-term quality of life. Pediatric patients tolerate these procedures well, with low complication rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive surgery
Background:
- Free tissue transfer is established for adults, but pediatric outcomes are less understood.
- Assessing long-term results of microvascular reconstruction in children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of free flaps in pediatric patients.
- To compare patient-reported quality of life with normative data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review and prospective quality-of-life surveys.
- Utilized the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument for health, pain, and activity assessments.
- Compared patient scores to general population norms.
Main Results:
- 48 free flap reconstructions performed in 42 children (mean age 8 years) with a median follow-up of 14.9 years.
- Low major complication rates: 9% for flaps and 2% for donor sites.
- Quality-of-life scores (mobility, sports, happiness, pain) were comparable to normative data.
Conclusions:
- Free tissue transfer is a reliable and well-tolerated procedure in the pediatric population.
- Positive long-term outcomes support the use of free flaps when indicated in children.
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