Free-Flap Reconstruction in Early-Stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity : A Prospective Monocentric Trial to Evaluate Oncological Outcome and Quality of Life
Surgery is generally accepted as standard treatment in oral cancer, but the reconstructive
procedures remain a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate oncological outcome
and quality of life following surgical resection and free-flap reconstruction in patients with early oral
squamous cell carcinoma. The presented trial was performed as a prospective, single-center observation study. Inclusion criteria were primary surgery in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma
with free-flap reconstruction. Endpoints were overall and progression-free survival and quality of
life up to 24 months after surgery. Twenty-six patients were included. Overall survival was 100%
and progression-free survival was 92.3% in a maximum follow-up time of 21 months. Global quality
of life showed no significant alteration after surgery. Patients reported a significant reduction in
pain (p = 0.048) and a decreasing impairment of speech one year after surgery (p = 0.021). Free-flap
reconstruction is a safe procedure that results in excellent oncological outcome and quality of life.
Functional outcome is of high relevance in early-stage tumors of the head and neck and may mostly
be affected by reconstructive procedures. Therefore, a prospective evaluation to explore success and
the effects of surgical therapy is highly warranted