Free Flap Reconstruction for Head and Neck Oncologic Resection: Our Experience in Pandemic Situation

Masjedi N, Fekrazad S, Jalaeefar A, Meidani M, Garajei A, Modarresi A and Shirkhoda M

Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Department of General Surgery, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Department of Infectious Diseases, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, and Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, The Cancer Institute School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences University, Islamic Azad University, Iran
These authors contributed equally to this work

^*Correspondance to: Mohammad Shirkhoda 

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Abstract:

Since cancer patients’ COVID-19 outcomes are poorer and delayed cancer management leads to greater mortality, cancer treatment protocols should be reassessed. This study aims to share our experience in the pandemic’s peak and suggestions for future pandemics. Between January 2020 and November 2020, we gathered the data for 32 patients undergone free flap reconstructive surgery Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran. In this study, 32 free flap surgeries were done. By the day 15 after operation, we encountered total of 3 flap necroses and only one patient was infected with COVID-19 at day 4 after surgery. This study demonstrated that in a hospital treating various patients; it is possible to manage critical patients without delays with precise considerations. These considerations aim to decrease infections and preserve equipment. The results suggest that in the presence of robust protocols and careful patient selection, major cancer surgeries may be performed safely.

Keywords:

COVID-19; Free flap surgery; Head and Neck cancers; Surgical oncology

Cite the Article:

Masjedi N, Fekrazad S, Jalaeefar A, Meidani M, Garajei A, Modarresi A, et al. Free Flap Reconstruction for Head and Neck Oncologic Resection: Our Experience in Pandemic Situation. World J Surg Surgical Res. 2022; 5: 1433..