Reconstruction in previously irradiated patients

Radiation therapy, which forms the mainstay of the treatment in many head and neck cancers, is viewed by many surgeons with skepticism. But many are not fully conversant with radiobiology and the effect of the radiation in tissues. This article aims at bringing the reader acquainted with the beneficial and harmful effects of radiation on the tissues. The alterations in tissue healing with radiation and the problems associated with surgery in a previously irradiated patient is discussed din detail. The role of free tissue transfer, in this setting is also dealt with