Abstract
Objective: We sought to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of immediate facial reconstruction with a Gore-Tex (expanded polytetrofluoroethylene) sling in irradiated patients undergoing large head and neck tumor extirpation with facial nerve resection. Study Design and Setting: We conducted a retrospective study of 17 patients at two academic institutions who underwent extirpative surgery with immediate Gore-Tex sling reconstruction and completed radiotherapy. Functional and aesthetic results were evaluated at three intervals. Results: All patients had excellent immediate results and good or excellent intermediate-term results. At long-term follow-up, results were good to excellent in 47% and unacceptable in 35% of patients. Conclusion: In irradiated patients undergoing total parotidectomy with immediate facial reconstruction using Gore-Tex slings, early results are excellent, but there is a high incidence of major wound complications and unacceptable results in long-term follow-up. Significance: There is a high rate of late complications associated with immediate facial reconstruction with Gore-Tex slings in irradiated patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 228-232 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery |
Volume | 137 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2007 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology