Work

Long‐term patient‐reported outcomes after reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer: A systematic review

Year: 2023

Type: review

Abstract: Current literature on reconstruction after head and neck cancer (HNC) focusses on short-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs), while there is a need for knowledge on long-term consequences. Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched for studies on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after HNC reconstruction, using validated PROMs in at least 50 patients, and a follow-up of more than 1 year. Thirty studies were included, comprising 2358 patients with a follow-up between one and 10 years. The most used questionnaire was the UW-QoL v4. Reconstructive surgery was generally followed by diminished oral function, worsened by radiotherapy. Patients experienced anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. However, there was a progressive decrease in pain over time with some flaps having more favorable HRQoL outcomes. Age and bony tumor involvement were not related to postoperative HRQoL. These results may lead to better patient counseling and expectation management of HNC patients.

Source: Head & Neck

DOI: 10.1002/hed.27450

Authors: Joep A. F. van Rooij, Jantien Roubos, Noëlle J. M. C. Vrancken Peeters, Bianca F. M. Rijken, Eveline M. L. Corten, Marc A. M. Mureau

Institutions: Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, Erasmus MC, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,530