Vascularized Tissue Reconstruction in Previously Irradiated Sarcoma Defects.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy (RT) is recommended for appropriately selected sarcoma patients to minimize the risk of local recurrence and to maximize outcomes of disease-free survival and function. The purpose of this study was to confirm the safety of vascularized tissue reconstruction in recently irradiated sarcoma defects.

METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated by the senior author for sarcoma reconstruction from January 2005 to July 2017 was performed. Two independent reviewers collected data from both electronic and paper medical records. Patients were included if they underwent flap reconstruction (pedicled or free) following sarcoma resection. The safety of neoadjuvant RT was compared with a control group with no previous irradiation using χ analysis.

RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included in the study; 35 patients were included in the preoperative RT group, and 22 patients were included in the control group (no previous irradiation). There was no significant difference in wound complications between the 2 groups (infection, dehiscence, hematoma, and seroma). Microvascular complications (arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, partial/total flap loss) were also comparable in the free tissue transfer subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates the safety of both pedicled and free flap reconstruction in previously irradiated sarcoma defects. Judicious selection of reconstructive technique and recipient vessels is crucial in obtaining optimal outcomes given the devastating effects of RT on native tissues.