Low Skeletal Muscle Mass: A Strong Predictive Factor for Surgical Complications After Free Forearm Flap Reconstruction in Oral Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Low skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is a predictive factor for complications in patients undergoing major head and neck cancer surgery. This study aims to identify the predictive value of low SMM for postoperative complications in patients who underwent free forearm flap (FAFF) reconstructions after oral cancer resections. Methods: A retrospective study was performed with all patients who underwent FFAF between 2003 and 2020 for an oral cavity reconstruction after cancer ablation. Free flap related, any postoperative complications and hospital stay were investigated. Results: Low SMM was associated with an increased risk of free flap associated complications (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.02–4.39, p = 0.029). Low SMM was associated with severe complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ III) (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.20–2.09, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Low SMM is a strong predictive factor for free flap related surgical complications in patients undergoing FAFF reconstruction after resection of oral cancer.