Evaluation of the Interest of the Neurorrhaphy in the Resensitisation of Free Flaps in Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery. Randomized Prospective Study.

Category Primary study
Registry of Trialsclinicaltrials.gov
Year 2018
Investigator will compare patients in whom the nervous suture will be performed and patients in whom it will not. If a significant difference in oral sensitivity is noted between these 2 groups, investigator can support our thesis: suturing the flap nerve increases its ability to regain sensitivity. All patients are first diagnosed in consultation and presented at a carcinologic multidisciplinary consultation during which an individually adapted treatment is proposed (according to the French "Plan Cancer"). If it consists in a surgery with reconstruction using free flap technique at the same time, Investigator then propose to the patient to integrate our study. The possibility to participate to this study is therefore proposed to the patient on the same day that the plan of treatment is presented. The patient has a period of reflection, minimal time necessary to mature his reflection and make their choice with their loved ones and decide if they agree to participate to the study. His answer is required the day before the surgery. This represents a reflection period of two weeks on average. If he accepts it, computer software (RedCap®) will determine at random if the surgical team will perform a nervous suture or not. As a result, two groups patients are then created: one with nervous suture and one with no nervous suture. By comparing these two groups, investigator hope to demonstrate that there will be more patients with a flap sensitive in the "with nerve suture" group than in the "without nerve suture" group. Investigator will then collect data from tests and questionnaires allowing us to judge the resensitization of the flap during follow‐up consultations at 3, 6 months then at 1 year postoperatively in parallel follow‐up consultations. That is to say that the patient therefore comes for a consultation as part of his cancer follow up and investigator take advantage of this time to carry out tests and questionnaires. This adds about 20 minutes of consultation time. A preoperative evaluation will be done before the surgery corresponding to the basal state calibration. During these consultations, investigator perform two tests and investigator will provide 2 quality of life questionnaires to fill out: ‐ The two‐discriminating points test: two points are applied on the flap at different distances and the patient must indicate if he feels one or two points. ‐ The hot/cold test: hot water and cold water are applied on the flap separately, and the patient should indicate if he feels the temperature differences. ‐ The QLQ‐C30 and EOTRC H&N 35 questionnaires: several questions concerning the quality of life are asked to the patient who must answer them as honestly as possible. After collecting all this information, investigator can compare the sensitivity of free flaps with or without nerve suture. In parallel, investigator will also evaluate the economic impact and cost that this can represent by comparing the operating and hospitalization times of patients in each group. Investigator believe that the operating time is not increased nor the length of hospitalization and therefore that there is no additional cost.
Epistemonikos ID: 441c79c8dfff27a79783b6ed97fb0e2f0c41ab3b
First added on: May 21, 2024