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Updated: Nov 14, 2025
Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
Microvascular reconstruction for head and neck cancers in high risk population: clinical outcomes and complications
Introduction:
Microvascular reconstruction is the gold standard for reconstruction in oral cavity cancers. Age and comorbidities determine the type of reconstruction. We aimed to analyse the impact of high-risk comorbidities on perioperative morbidity.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study of 317 patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction from January 2014 to December 2017. High risk patients were based on age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade (III/IV) and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score >4; overall, 73 out of 317 patients were evaluated.
Results:
Median age was 59 years. Five patients (6.8%) had complete flap failures and seven (9.5%) had minor complications (wound breakdown, bleeding, wound dehiscence, partial flap loss). ASA score of IV was significantly associated with morbidity while age >65 years and CCI >4 was not associated. The overall flap success rate was 93.2%.
Conclusions:
A high-risk population has nearly similar outcomes for microvascular reconstruction as a younger age group. High ASA score adversely affects surgery-related outcomes.
