Reconstructive and Plastic Microsurgery in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

The P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute performs all existing specialized surgical treatments for tumors of the head and neck, as well as develops new high-tech methods. The institute’s developments receive the highest recognition from both international and Russian specialists. In the 1990s, it was at the P. Hertsen Institute that voice restoration technologies after total laryngectomy were first implemented in Russia, and currently, the specialists have the most experience in the country. Organ-preserving methods for treating early laryngeal cancer are widely used, employing video endoscopic and laser technologies, which allow curing the patient while preserving the larynx. The most advanced high-tech equipment is utilized for endolaryngeal procedures.

The full spectrum of dental and maxillofacial rehabilitation is carried out for patients after the removal of oral and jaw tumors. All currently available dental prosthetic technologies are used, including the use of oncological implants with the placement of high-quality custom prostheses. The coordinated work of the Microsurgery Department and the Neurosurgery Department of P. Hertsen MORI has made it possible to achieve excellent results in performing the most complex cranio-maxillofacial resections with simultaneous microsurgical reconstruction, allowing us to hold leading positions not only in Russia but also abroad in the treatment of one of the most challenging conditions – malignant tumors of the head and face.

One of the main components in the work of microsurgeons is aesthetic facial reconstruction. Preserving the appearance and facial features of patients disabled by malignant tumors of the face and neck is a priority in the work of micro-oncologic surgeons. Staff members of the departments hold certifications as plastic surgeons with unique experience in removing tumors of the scalp and neck with simultaneous reconstruction, making oncoplastic surgical treatment of skin tumors of any extent one of the key areas of the Institute’s work. The Institute’s specialized oncology team for treating melanoma of the scalp and neck uses the full spectrum of modern technologies: dermoscopy, the analytical hardware system “FotoFinder,” skin mapping, and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

The Microsurgery School of Head and Neck Tumor at the P. Hersen MORI was established by the renowned professor in the USSR and Russia — Igor Yakovlevich Sendulsky in 1943. Over the years of developing this field in oncology, a tremendous leap was made in the development of new treatment technologies. In 1989, the Institute was the first in the USSR to introduce microsurgical autotransplantation of tissues into clinical practice for the treatment of patients with head and neck tumors. A multidisciplinary approach to treating these locations allows for solving tasks of any complexity. The Institute’s team of specialists includes highly qualified surgical oncologists, plastic surgeons, microsurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, and dentists capable of successfully treating patients until their full rehabilitation and recovery.

• Interdisciplinary consultation of doctors and selection of optimal surgical treatment methods.
• Application of the latest high-tech microsurgery techniques at all stages of the tumor process.
• The most complex reconstructive and plastic surgeries for the most challenging pathologies.
• Anesthesiological care provided by top-level specialists, using modern effective general and local anesthetics.
• Surgical treatment is carried out as part of combined therapy together with radiology specialists, as well as drug treatment of tumors using modern technologies of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
• Postoperative care for patients is provided by caring and highly qualified medical staff.
• Treatment is available for patients from any region of the Russian Federation as well as from neighboring and distant countries.
• The Institute’s achievements have been repeatedly recognized with State Prizes and Government of the Russian Federation Awards.