The influence of age and comorbidities on the outcomes of surgical treatment with free tissue transfer: a retrospective study

Introduction: Microvascular free tissue transfer enables the reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. The aim of the study was to assess the results of treatment of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery and to identify factors affecting these results, with particular reference to patient’s age. Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent free-flap head and neck reconstruction in our institution between 2010 and 2017 were included in this retrospective study. A series of 66 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into 2 age groups: group G1 aged <65 years (n = 41) and group G2 aged ≥65 years (n = 25). Minor local complications and general complications as well as comorbidities were analyzed. Results: No correlation was found between advanced age and the risk of free flap failure as well as the incidence of local minor complications. General complications were more frequent in the G2 group (32%) than in the G1 group (19.5%), although this is not a statistically significant difference. A statistically significant difference was found between the age and the patient’s health status according to ASA (P = 0.010). In the younger low-risk group, 12 patients (29.3%) had general and local complications, while in the older low-risk group only 1 (4%). General and local complications were found in 5 (12.2%) high-risk G1 patients and in 7 (28%) high-risk G2 patients. Conclusion(s): Patients with advanced head and neck malignant tumors should undergo reconstructive microsurgery regardless of age.