COMPLICATION MANAGEMENT IN MAJOR ABLATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE HEAD AND NECK SURGERY: OUR EXPERIENCE
Authors:
Louizakis A.1, Politis S.1, Antoniou A.1, Tatsis D.1, Grivas T.1, Spyropoulou A.2, Paraskevopoulos K.1, Vahtsevanos K.1
Affiliation:
1 Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Department, G Papanikolaou Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
2 Plastic and Reconstructive surgery Department, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
Doi: 10.54936/haoms242p49
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the management of complications in major ablative and reconstructive head and neck surgeries conducted at a single institution over a six-year period. The prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma and advanced disease stages in the patient population necessitated meticulous postoperative care and monitoring. The utilization of the Clavien-Dindo classification system in understanding and effectively managing complications was emphasized.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients (13 males and 13 females) who underwent major ablative and reconstructive head and neck surgery between 2017 and 2022. The mean age of the patients was 58 years, ranging from 20 to 81. The majority of cases involved new cancer diagnoses, primarily squamous cell carcinomas affecting various head and neck sites. Notably, eight patients had significant comorbidities.
Results: Reconstructive procedures involved the use of different types of flaps, including anterolateral thigh flaps, fibula flaps, gracilis flaps, and radial free flaps. The average length of hospital stay was 16.9 days, while the mean length of stay in the enhanced recovery program was 3.65 days. Complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Five patients experienced no complications, while the remaining patients had varying degrees of complications. Grade III complications were observed in seven patients, grade IV complications in three patients, and grade V complications in three patients. Additionally, 9 patients succumbed to the disease, and 19 patients required adjuvant treatment.
Conclusion: This study underscores the challenges associated with major ablative and reconstructive head and neck surgeries, emphasizing the importance of diligent postoperative care and monitoring. The utilization of the Clavien-Dindo classification system allows for standardized assessment and management of complications. However further research is warranted to enhance surgical techniques and postoperative care strategies in major head and neck surgery.
KEY WORDS: Keywords: Head and neck surgery, Complication management, Squamous cell carcinoma, Clavien- Dindo classification, postoperative care
Authors:
Louizakis A.1, Politis S.1, Antoniou A.1, Tatsis D.1, Grivas T.1, Spyropoulou A.2, Paraskevopoulos K.1, Vahtsevanos K.1
Affiliation:
1 Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Department, G Papanikolaou Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
2 Plastic and Reconstructive surgery Department, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
Doi: 10.54936/haoms242p49
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the management of complications in major ablative and reconstructive head and neck surgeries conducted at a single institution over a six-year period. The prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma and advanced disease stages in the patient population necessitated meticulous postoperative care and monitoring. The utilization of the Clavien-Dindo classification system in understanding and effectively managing complications was emphasized.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients (13 males and 13 females) who underwent major ablative and reconstructive head and neck surgery between 2017 and 2022. The mean age of the patients was 58 years, ranging from 20 to 81. The majority of cases involved new cancer diagnoses, primarily squamous cell carcinomas affecting various head and neck sites. Notably, eight patients had significant comorbidities.
Results: Reconstructive procedures involved the use of different types of flaps, including anterolateral thigh flaps, fibula flaps, gracilis flaps, and radial free flaps. The average length of hospital stay was 16.9 days, while the mean length of stay in the enhanced recovery program was 3.65 days. Complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Five patients experienced no complications, while the remaining patients had varying degrees of complications. Grade III complications were observed in seven patients, grade IV complications in three patients, and grade V complications in three patients. Additionally, 9 patients succumbed to the disease, and 19 patients required adjuvant treatment.
Conclusion: This study underscores the challenges associated with major ablative and reconstructive head and neck surgeries, emphasizing the importance of diligent postoperative care and monitoring. The utilization of the Clavien-Dindo classification system allows for standardized assessment and management of complications. However further research is warranted to enhance surgical techniques and postoperative care strategies in major head and neck surgery.
KEY WORDS: Keywords: Head and neck surgery, Complication management, Squamous cell carcinoma, Clavien- Dindo classification, postoperative care