Radiotherapy and Reconstructive Surgery: Challenges, Implications, and Optimized Therapeutic Approaches
Authors:   Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery Clinical Department, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Lita Flavia F. , Grosu-Bularda Andreea ,   Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Hodea Florin V. ,   Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Cretu Andrei ,   Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Bordeanu-Diaconescu Eliza M. ,   Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Dumitru Catalina S. ,   Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Lita Rheea M. ,   ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Costache Raducu A. ,   Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Marinescu Bogdan M. ,   Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery Clinical Department, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Lascar Ioan ,   Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Published: December 2024

Radiotherapy plays an indispensable role in cancer treatment, with its ability to target malignant cells and improve patient survival. However, its impact on healthy tissues poses significant challenges for reconstructive surgery. The altered tissue environment resulting from radiation, including fibrosis, vascular damage, and compromised wound healing, complicates reconstructive efforts and increases the risk of surgical complications. As cancer therapies advance, the approaches for managing radiation-induced complications must also adapt accordingly.
This article explores the complex interaction between radiotherapy and reconstructive surgery, particularly in the treatment of head and neck cancers, breast reconstruction following mastectomy, and sarcoma management. Special attention is given to the customization of surgical approaches based on cancer type, with the goal of optimizing both functional and aesthetic outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating advanced imaging techniques, modern radiation delivery methods, and innovative surgical techniques is essential for improving patient outcomes.