Changing trend in the management of head neck cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background In the present study, we have shared our experience in managing head neck cancers, especially the oral malignancies, during the crisis of COVID 19. Materials and methods Patients with oral cancers underwent pedicle/local flaps and free flaps reconstruction based on the availability of int...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology 2022-03, Vol.279 (3), p.1453-1460
Main Authors: Pradhan, Pradeep, Preetam, C., Parida, Pradipta Kumar, Samal, Dillip Kumar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
COVID-19 - epidemiology
Free Tissue Flaps
Head and Neck
Head and Neck Neoplasms - surgery
Head and Neck Surgery
Humans
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neurosurgery
Otorhinolaryngology
Pandemics
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Retrospective Studies
SARS-CoV-2
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Summary:Background In the present study, we have shared our experience in managing head neck cancers, especially the oral malignancies, during the crisis of COVID 19. Materials and methods Patients with oral cancers underwent pedicle/local flaps and free flaps reconstruction based on the availability of intensive care unit and comorbidities of the patients. The clinical outcomes were compared at the end of one week, one month, and three months after the primary surgery. Results Pedicle/local flaps were used in 25 cases and radial/fibular free flaps were used in 8 cases for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Patients with pedicle flap reconstruction had better clinical outcomes, including lesser ICU stay as compared to free flaps. Conclusion Pedicle flap can be a valid alternative to the free flap for the soft tissue reconstruction in advanced oral malignancies during the COVID pandemic period in the Indian subcontinent, especially with limited infrastructure of the hospitals.
ISSN:0937-4477
1434-4726
DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-06898-z