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Hepatitis C as a Potential Risk Factor for Adverse Surgical Outcomes in Head and Neck Free Tissue Transfer
Jacquelyn K Callander1, Madeleine P Strohl1, Phillip Daniel Knott1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection did not significantly impact free tissue transfer outcomes or hospital stay in head and neck cancer patients. Further research is needed for definitive conclusions in HCV-positive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to increased head and neck cancer (HNC) risk and poorer cancer survival.
- Understanding HCV's impact on reconstructive surgery outcomes is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of HCV status on free tissue transfer failure rates.
- To assess the influence of HCV on flap takeback and length of hospital stay in HNC reconstruction patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of HNC patients undergoing free tissue transfer reconstruction.
- Analysis of data from a single academic institution between August 2011 and June 2020.
Main Results:
- HCV-infected patients had a flap failure rate of 2.9% compared to 1.3% in controls.
- Takeback rates were 11.1% for HCV-infected patients versus 9.6% for controls.
- Multivariate analysis revealed no significant association between HCV status and flap failure, takeback, or prolonged hospital stay.
Conclusions:
- HCV status was not associated with increased postoperative complications or extended hospital stay in this cohort.
- Larger studies with more HCV-positive subjects are necessary to fully understand HCV's role in HNC reconstruction outcomes.
