This retrospective review demonstrates that age alone is not an independent variable for increased risk in microvascular reconstruction. However, operative time, ASA risk score, and location of the reconstruction site are more associated with the overall success of free tissue transfers.

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Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate pre-operative nutritional status, associated syndromes and abnormalities, and post-operative outcomes of patients with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) versus those with non-syndromic isolated cleft palate (CIP). Methods: Between January 1995 and December 2013, patients with a cleft palate Veau I-II according to the Veau classification with and without PRS who underwent primary repair were retrospectively analyzed. The nutrition status, age at the time of palatoplasty, additional anomalies, gestational complications, and post-operative speech abnormalities and outcomes were evaluated. Results: A total of 59 patients with PRS (PRS group) and 132 patients without PRS (non-PRS group) were included in the study. Of all patients, 92 were males and 99 were females with a mean age of 14 ± 4.18 (range, 6 to 26) years. The rate of gestational complications, enteral nutrition, complete cleft, additional anomalies, and velopharyngeal insufficiency was significantly higher in the PRS group (P < 0.05). However, the incidence of fistulas and age at the time of palatoplasty did not significantly differ between the groups. Conclusion: Based on our study results, enteral nutrition, respiratory problems, pregnancy complications, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and additional anomalies, but not post-operative palatal fistulas, are more frequently seen in patients with PRS. Although pre-operative care and treatment and rehabilitation in patients with PRS are more complicated than those with the CIP, our experience demonstrates that meticulous repair and follow-up can minimize complications, such as fistulas.

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Background: The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and the gold-standard treatment for high-risk tumours is Mohs surgery. However, alternative methods are needed for high-risk tumours in countries where the performance rate of Mohs surgery is low. Objectives: The objective of this article is to investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of margin-controlled, staged surgical excision (MCSSE) in high-risk tumours as a possible treatment alternative. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, including patients diagnosed with high-risk BCC in the head and neck region and treated with MCSSE between 2003 and 2010, was conducted. Results: During the study period 50 tumours in 47 patients were treated, with low adverse event rates and high patient satisfaction rates. Of the 50 tumours, 1 recurred at the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: Despite the small sample size and relatively short follow-up period, the present study shows that MCSSE might be a feasible alternative for the treatment of high-risk BCCs in institutions where Mohs surgery is not performed. Future studies on long-term recurrence rates are needed.