Utilizing a Second Flap to Address the Effect of Postradiotherapy Soft Tissue Fibrosis in Head and Neck Malignancy

Background Late effects of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) on soft tissues can lead to hair loss, pigmentary changes, loss of tissue volume, and fibrosis, which appear months to years after the treatment. These changes are often progressive and are because of tissue hypoxia due to radiation-induced capillary endothelial damage. Tissue hypoxia may be compounded by subclinical infection following minor trauma, exposed hardware, or associated osteoradionecrosis. The combined effect of these factors causes significant deformities in soft tissue, affecting both function and appearance. Such changes are also seen in primarily transferred flaps, which have been radiated, resulting in severe, progressive soft tissue fibrosis, compromising function and aesthetics. In selected cases, a second flap may be needed to restore function and volume. Methods Data of patients who underwent secondary soft tissue transfers for postradiotherapy-related soft tissue changes were collected from the hospital electronic medical records, from January 2019 to 2023. Details regarding the primary surgery, dose, duration of adjuvant RT, time interval between adjuvant RT and secondary soft tissue transfer, indications, and the choice of the second flap were analyzed. Results Twenty-one patients had undergone secondary soft tissue transfer for extensive soft tissue fibrosis. In addition, associated compounding features like exposed implant and volume loss were observed. Two patients with osteoradionecrosis also had associated extensive soft tissue fibrosis necessitating replacement. Out of these 21 patients, 13 had undergone free tissue transfers, while 7 locoregional tissue transfers. Conclusion Late sequelae of adjuvant RT changes usually present from 6 months onwards. The radiated hypoxic tissue, due to capillary damage, leads to a chronic progressive fibrotic stage, causing loss of soft tissue volume and fibrosis. Replacing this tissue with a vascularized flap helps to restore volume and correct these secondary changes, improving overall quality of life.