Objective: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of administering negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients immediately following free flap reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery and radical neck lymph node dissection. The outcomes were compared with those of patients who received conventional wound care (CWC).
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for 58 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent free flap reconstruction after tumor ablation and radical neck dissection between February 1, 2016, and October 31, 2016. All reconstructions were performed by the same plastic surgeon. Charts were reviewed for patient demographics, comorbidities, cancer type, operation time, flap type, postoperative drainage volume, complication rates, length of hospital stay, and wound outcomes.
Results: No significant difference was observed between patients receiving NPWT and CWC regarding operation time and drainage volume from the vacuum ball. After the application of NPWT, no patients experienced flap failure or developed a wound infection. Significantly fewer patients receiving NPWT developed complications (9.7% vs. 37.0%; P = 0.025) and developed infections (0.0% vs. 14.8%; P = 0.041) compared with those receiving CWC.
Conclusion: On the basis of fewer associated complications and infections, this study supports the immediate use of NPWT after free flap reconstruction in patients who have undergone head and neck cancer ablation and radical neck lymph node dissection.
Level of evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 2478-2482, 2018.
Keywords: Free flap; complication; head and neck reconstruction; negative pressure wound therapy; standard care; wound infection.
© 2018 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.