Irradiated soft tissue and its management.

The healing of a surgical wound is significantly affected by radiation. Radiation can affect all cells within its treatment field, thus making irradiated tissue more susceptible to trauma, infection, and irritation. In the irradiated patient, careful preoperative planning and a preventive approach to optimize conditions for wound healing are crucial to minimizing complications. This article describes the principles and management of common complications seen from irradiated soft-tissue wounds of the head and neck.