Abstract | BACKGROUND: Our aim was to investigate quality of life and outcome after microvascular free-flap reconstruction after oncologic surgery. METHODS: Forty-four patients with a large carcinoma in the oral cavity, oral pharynx, or hypopharynx underwent free-flap surgery with or without radiotherapy. Patients completed the University of Washington Quality-of-Life Questionnaire preoperatively and four times during the 12 postoperative months. Survival rates and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative composite quality-of-life scores were significantly lower than before treatment with no significant overall improvement during the follow-up. The scores for disfigurement, chewing, speech, and shoulder function remained significantly below the preoperative level throughout the follow-up. Sociodemographic factors predicted quality of life. Heavy drinking and unemployment caused a 2.4-fold and a 4.4-fold increase in risk of death, respectively. The rates for overall survival, tumor recurrence, flap success, and surgical complications were consistent with previous literature. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic variables affect quality of life and patient survival in patients with oral cancer treated with microvascular free-flap reconstruction.
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Authors | Mari Markkanen-Leppänen, Antti A Mäkitie, Marja-Leena Haapanen, Erkki Suominen, Sirpa Asko-Seljavaara |
Journal | Head & neck
(Head Neck)
Vol. 28
Issue 3
Pg. 210-6
(Mar 2006)
ISSN: 1043-3074 [Print] United States |
PMID | 16284977
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
Topics |
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alcohol Drinking
(adverse effects)
- Comorbidity
- Educational Status
- Esthetics
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Microsurgery
- Middle Aged
- Mouth Neoplasms
(mortality, psychology, surgery)
- Pharyngeal Neoplasms
(mortality, psychology, surgery)
- Postoperative Complications
- Postoperative Period
- Preoperative Care
- Prospective Studies
- Quality of Life
- Sex Factors
- Surgical Flaps
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Unemployment
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