Retrospective cross-sectional study to evaluate outcome of loco-regional flaps in head and neck reconstruction in Sudanese patients

Abstract

Introduction: The soft tissue of the head and neck region poses both esthetic and functional aspects and must be retorted simultaneously, as any defect will be easy recognizable and will affect the quality of patient’s life. Reconstruction by local- regional flap still the most popular approach used and outcome also better than other options. Objectives: To assess the outcome of loco-regional flaps in head and neck reconstruction in Sudanese patients. Patients and methods: Retrospective cross-sectional, multicenteric study (Soba University Hospital, Khartoum North Teaching Hospital and an associated specialized hospital) – Khartoum, Sudan, 84 patients underwent head/neck reconstruction during the period from 2017 up to 2021 were included. Results: Out of 84 patients, 47.6% were female and 52.4% were male. The etiology of head and neck defects in the majority (69%) was neoplastic, and in 11.9% it was trauma. According to site of defect, in 23.8% of patients was Cheek unit, 21.4% was nasal site, and 16.7% was neck site. Surgery in 85.7% of patients were primary, while in 14.3 was delayed. Fasciocutaneous flaps were used in 64.3%, followed by myocutaneous flap in 28.6%; functional outcome was excellent in 61.9%, adequate in 35.7%, and was inadequate in only 2.4%. The majority of patients 66.2% did not develop any complications. Conclusion: Loco-regional flaps are ideally useful in covering head and neck defects. It has an acceptable esthetic and functional outcome in the majority of cases. It can be considered as a reliable option for reconstruction especially in resource constrained centers.