Comparing Functional Outcomes Following TORS With Free Flap Reconstruction Using a Radial Forearm vs. Anterolateral Thigh Flap.
retrospective_cohort · Level III
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40940297.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1002/hed.70039 and PMC identifier 12797001.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Free flap reconstruction (FFR) following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is commonly performed using radial forearm free flaps (RFFF). This study compares patterns of functional recovery between RFFFs and anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTFs). Retrospective cohort study of patients with oropharyngeal cancer who underwent TORS with FFR (2010-2023) at a tertiary care center. A 1:4 ALTF:RFFF propensity score match was performed. Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) assessed outcomes. The 105 patients were included. ALTF patients had lower FOIS at 6 months (3[2.0, 5.0] vs. 5.0[2.0, 6.0], p = 0.045) and 1 year (5.0[2.0, 6.0] vs. 6.0[5.0, 6.8], p = 0.045), with higher PEG tube rates. ALTFs were used for larger defects (62.95 ± 20.25 cm<sup>2</sup> vs. 51.17 ± 15.11 cm<sup>2</sup>, p = 0.014). Donor site morbidity or postoperative complications were similar between cohorts. ALTFs are suitable for larger defects and lead to slower early functional recovery with higher PEG tube rates compared to RFFFs, with no difference in complications.
Medical subject headings
- Free Tissue Flaps
- Robotic Surgical Procedures
- Oropharyngeal Neoplasms
- Plastic Surgery Procedures