No abstract

2b

A surgical site infection rate of 13.3% was noted. In this cohort, with a compliance rate with prophylactic antibiotic measures, prior radiation was found to be a risk factor only in patients with cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E392-E398, 2016.

In patients with total glossectomy, feeding tube dependence was not associated with laryngeal preservation or the reconstructive technique, including flap innervation and type of flap used. Laryngeal preservation was associated with favorable speech outcomes such as the retained ability to verbally communicate and higher levels of speech intelligibility.

The incidence of VTE increases with Caprini risk assessment model score, and a score of >8 predicts a high risk (>13%) of VTE in postoperative otolaryngology inpatients despite chemoprophylaxis.

Among the different types of flaps, FFF and ALT are associated with higher transfusion requirements. Transfusion in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction does not significantly affect flap survival but was associated with perioperative complications. Our data support consideration of a restrictive transfusion policy in free flap patients.

The SSI rate following pedicled flap surgeries was low and similar to free flap surgeries despite a significantly different population. No specific risk factors were associated with developing a pedicled flap SSI.

ObjectiveUnderstanding factors that affect postoperative length of stay (LOS) may improve patient recovery, hasten postoperative discharge, and minimize institutional costs. This study sought to (a) describe LOS among head and neck patients undergoing free flap reconstruction and (b) identify factors that predict increased LOS.MethodsA retrospective cohort was performed of 282 head and neck patients with free flap reconstruction for oncologic resection between 2011 and 2013 at a tertiary academic medical center. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgical and infectious complications were characterized. Multivariable regression identified predictors of increased LOS.ResultsA total of 282 patients were included. Mean age was 64.7 years (SD = 12.2) and 40% were female. Most tumors were located in the oral cavity (53.9% of patients), and most patients underwent radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction (RFFF—73.8%, anterolateral thigh flap—11.3%, and fibula free flap—14.9%). Intraoperative complications were rare. The most common postoperative complications included nonwound infection (pneumonia [PNA] or urinary tract infection [UTI]) (15.6%) and wound breakdown/fistula (15.2%). Mean and median LOS were 13 days (SD = 7.7) and 10 days (interquartile range = 7), respectively. Statistically significant predictors of increased LOS included flap take back (Beta coefficient [C] = +4.26, P < .0001), in‐hospital PNA or UTI (C = +2.52, P = .037), wound breakdown or fistula (C = +5.0, P < .0001), surgical site infection (C = +3.54, P = .017), and prior radiation therapy (C = +2.59, P = .004).ConclusionSeveral perioperative factors are associated with increased LOS. These findings may help with perioperative planning, including the need for vigilant wound care, optimization of antibiotics prophylaxis, and institution‐level protocols for postoperative care and disposition of free flap patients.Level of Evidence2b; retrospective cohort.