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

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

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2469-2477
Number of pages9
JournalHead and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck
Volume45
Issue number9
Early online dateJul 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2023

Keywords

  • head and neck cancer
  • patient-reported outcome measures
  • quality of life
  • reconstructive surgery
  • systematic review
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • FREE-FLAP RECONSTRUCTION
  • FOREARM FREE-FLAP
  • ORAL-CANCER
  • ONCOLOGIC SURGERY
  • MICROVASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION
  • MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP
  • SURVIVORS
  • DEFECTS
  • HAD

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