Sex differences in donor-site morbidity after microvascular free tissue head and neck reconstruction.

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether sex plays a role in donor-site dysfunction after head and neck reconstruction.

Methods: In this retrospective case series, 76 patients were assessed for donor-site morbidity using the Short Form 36, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand, and lower-limb core scale. Differences by sex were compared using t-tests. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to adjust for potential confounders.

Results: Females observed significantly greater disability for the SF-36 mental component summary score with a mean of 45.9 (standard deviation 10.5) compared to males, with a mean of 51.8 (standard deviation 10.2), p = 0.02. Sex is significantly related to SF-36 mental component summary score after controlling for neuropsychiatric disease and tracheostomy status.

Conclusions: Females reported significantly worse mental component scores compared to males undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck.