Surgical reconstruction after chemotherapy or radiation - Problems and solutions

The most significant advances ist the treatment of head and neck cancer ove r the last several decades have resulted from multidisciplinary cooperation among the specialists involved in the care of these patients This cooperat ive effort has resulted in an increasing number of patients being treated p rimarily with radiation therapy protocols to improve long-term survival and quality of life. This article discusses the effects of chemotherapy and ra diation therapy on local tissues, outlines the surgical complications that may result, and introduces the latest reconstructive options available to t he head and neck surgeon.