A Study of the Use of Fat Flap Reconstruction to Reduce Neck Injury After Cancer Treatment

The Safety of a Buried, Free Fat Flap to Reduce Neck Morbidity Following Cancer Treatment: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to find out whether the fat ALT flap procedure is a safe and practical option for reducing neck morbidity in HNSCC patients following cancer treatment of the neck. Neck morbidity after radiation therapy and surgery includes difficulty swallowing, neck or shoulder pain, stiffness, swelling, or changes to the appearance of the treated area. In addition, the researchers will find out whether the study procedure is effective at reducing neck morbidity and improving quality of life after cancer treatment. The researchers will measure quality of life by having participants answer questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients 18 years or older
• Diagnosed with HNSCC (e.g., oropharyngeal, hypo/laryngeal SCC)
• Primary treatment is with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy
• Salvage neck dissection is subsequently indicated for persistent or recurrent, nonmucosal disease in cervical lymph nodes
• At the time of salvage neck dissection additional flap coverage is indicated to improve carotid coverage or replace missing skin

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with primary site mucosal recurrence in addition to neck disease