Prevention and management of bacterial infections of the donor site of flaps raised for reconstruction in head and neck surgery

Purpose

In the field of reconstructive head and neck surgery, surgical site infections (SSI) are commonly investigated for the recipient site of various reconstructive procedures. Data about SSI of the donor site of different flaps raised for reconstruction are rare.

Material and Methods

With regard to the bacterial donor site infections, we retrospectively investigated the medical data, surgical reports and wound management protocols of 267 patients who received reconstruction of the head and neck after ablative surgery. All patients underwent reconstruction with one of the following flaps: free fasciocutaneous radial forearm flap (RFFF), free fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap (ALTFF), pedicled myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap (PLDF), pedicled myocutaneous pectoralis major flap (PPMF), free osteocutaneous fibula flap (FFF). Follow-up was conducted for 12 months.

Results

The lowest detection ratio (DR: number of infected sites/flaps raised from the respective donor site) was calculated for the radial forearm, 0.087. Pedicled flaps presented a moderate DR (PLDF: 0.27, PMMF:0.35). Donor sites of the leg possessed the highest DR (ALTFF:0.61, FFF: 045). Mainly gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacteria (n = 41) were detected and gram-negative bacteria (aerobe/anaerobe) were present in 27 cases. The most frequently detected bacteria were Staphylococcus spp., Viridans Streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escheria coli. Continuous wound management for in-hospital patients was able to prevent any local spreading or a prolonged length of in-hospital stay.

Conclusion

Overall, gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus spp., are the predominant bacteria detected in donor site wounds. For wound care management, an infection with gram-negative pathogens should not be neglected.