Current status of radiotherapy after flap reconstruction for head and neck tumors

Radical surgery for head and neck tumors often requires flap transplantation and repair due to extensive tissue defects to restore the patient's function and appearance. Based on the biological characteristics of the tumor, such patients often need radiotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. However, the target area delineation, radiotherapy dose, whether to perform chemotherapy concurrently, and whether the risk of flap complications will increase after postoperative radiotherapy are realistic issues that confuse clinicians. This article reviews the existing literature on radiotherapy after flap reconstruction of head and neck tumors to provide a reference for clinical decision-making on this issue.