Postirradiation flap infection about the oral cavity

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1983 · Ann. Plast. Surg.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00000637-198306000-00010· OSTI ID:5475966

Cabbabe, E B; Herbold, D R; Sunwoo, Y C; Baroudi, I F

Postirradiation alteration of oral flora is well documented in the literature. Infection as a complication leading to partial or complete loss of a flap used to reconstruct a defect in the oral cavity is a worrisome outcome. We describe how a flap that was judged clinically to be viable became overwhelmingly infected with the Klebsiella oxytoca, an oral cavity pathogen encountered in this patient following irradiation. Local and systemic changes led to detachment of the flap. This complication may be explained, in view of the absence of venous congestion or arterial ischemia both clinically and pathologically, by the proven contamination of the flap by the Klebsiella pathogen. Local factors resulted in lower resistance and subsequent overwhelming infection. Discussion of the case, review of pertinent literature, and proposed solutions are presented.

• Research Organization: Department of Surgery, St. Louis University, MO
• OSTI ID: 5475966
• Journal Information: Ann. Plast. Surg.; (United States), Vol. 10:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
KLEBSIELLA
BACTERIAL DISEASES
NEOPLASMS
RADIOTHERAPY
ORAL CAVITY
SIDE EFFECTS
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
MALES
PATIENTS
BACTERIA
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
MEDICINE
MICROORGANISMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
RADIOLOGY
THERAPY
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man
550603 - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)