Sudden death after major head and neck surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will discuss the mortality after major ear, nose and throat surgery, particularly sudden death. It will also discuss the postoperative follow-up of patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Sudden death is a rare event after major ear, nose and throat surgery, and occurs mainly during the first three postoperative days. SUMMARY: In more recent studies, the mortality rate after neck dissection was below 4%, which is at a lower value than reported in previous studies. Sudden deaths have been described, however, mainly during the first three postoperative days. Alcoholism and perioperative hypotension are two predictive factors for cardiac complications. Careful follow-up of these patients during the early postoperative period should be performed to reduce the mortality by shortening the delay of care.     

Bacteriological assessment of patients undergoing major head and neck surgery

The use of chemoprophylaxis in major Head and Neck surgery is controversial. Prior to conducting a prospective trial a controlled microbiological monitoring of 32 patients was performed to determine a suitable antibiotic for prophylaxis. Wound infection occurred in 22 (68%) patients with fistulae occurring in 10 of these patients (45.5%). Pre-operative cultures were of limited value in predicting subsequent sepsis. Gram-negative aerobic bacilli were the commonest group of pathogens (34.4%) isolated post-operatively. From projected resistance profiles of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria amoxycillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin, Beecham Pharmaceuticals) was chosen as a suitable antibiotic.     

Factors associated with postoperative delirium after major head and neck surgery

Postoperative delirium (POD) is an acute change in cognitive status characterized by fluctuating consciousness and is associated with high incidences of morbidity, high complication rates, and long hospitalizations. This study was performed to determine the incidence of POD and the perioperative risk factors in order to predict which patients have an increased risk and thus to prevent POD after major head and neck surgery. The authors retrospectively evaluated 341 patients who underwent laryngectomy or the Commando (combined operation of mouth, mandible, and neck dissection) procedure at Pusan National University Hospital from January 1986 through July 2001. Postoperative delirium developed in 13.8% of the patients who underwent laryngectomy (42 of 304) and 13.5% of the patients who underwent the Commando procedure (5 of 37). A multivariate analysis showed that older age, hypertension, low postoperative O2 saturation, and decreased postoperative hemoglobin levels were risk factors for POD (p < .05). Postoperative delirium is preventable, and its incidence can be decreased by predicting these risk factors during the preoperative and postoperative periods.     

Predictors of prolonged length of stay after major elective head and neck surgery

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Longer length of stay (LOS) after elective surgery is associated with an increased use of health care resources and higher costs. The objectives of this study were to determine the perioperative factors that predict a prolonged LOS after elective major head and neck operations and to test the hypothesis that factors related to process of care (intra- and postoperative) independently predict prolonged LOS after adjustment for preoperative patient characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective hospital-based cohort study. METHODS: The National VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program data were accessed for seven head and neck operations: radical neck dissection (RND) (n = 398), modified RND (n = 891), total laryngectomy (n = 431), total laryngectomy with RND (n = 747), hemiglossectomy with unilateral RND (n = 201), composite resection (n = 105), and composite resection with RND (n = 312). Prolonged LOS was defined as exceeding the 75th percentile for the LOS distribution of each operation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors that predicted prolonged LOS. RESULTS: Sixty-eight variables were analyzed among 3,050 patients who qualified for inclusion. Preoperative patient characteristics that predicted prolonged LOS were older age, poorer functional status, consumption of more than two drinks of alcohol per day, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes mellitus. Intraoperative processes that predicted prolonged LOS were a longer operative time and transfusion of erythrocytes. The postoperative variables that predicted a prolonged LOS were a return to the operating room within 30 days of the index operation and the occurrence of two or more operative complications. CONCLUSION: Several intraoperative processes and postoperative adverse events contributed additional predictive information for prolonged LOS, after consideration of preoperative patient characteristics.     

Flap reconstruction in major surgery of the head and neck

The challenging restoration of form and function in radical surgery of the head and neck demands sound concepts and proper execution in reconstruction. Flaps are most frequently employed in reconstruction, following major surgery because of their rich blood supply and cosmetic superiority. Of the many types of flaps known, the midline forehead flap, tem-poroforehead flap, mastoid-occipital flap, tongue flap, and deltopectoral flap have enjoyed most popularity. The design and application of these flaps are discussed. Our techniques in reconstruction of the oral cavity, hypopharynx, esophagus, nose, Andy-Gump deformities (anterior jaw complex resection), pharyngo-orocutaneous fistulas, and radionecrosis of the mandible are presented.     

Preoperative identification of patients at risk for delirium after major head and neck cancer surgery

This study was performed to determine preoperative criteria for identifying patients at risk for delirium after major head and neck cancer surgery. The authors prospectively evaluated 138 consecutive patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery lasting more than 2 hours at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, from July 1993 through May 1994. Postoperative delirium developed in 24 of 138 patients (17%; 95% confidence interval 11% to 24%). The strongest univariate predictors of delirium were living alone (P=.005), the American Society of Anesthesiologists class (P=.003), and the preoperative white blood cell count (P<.0001). A predictive model for delirium using five criteria mdash age of 70 or more years, alcohol abuse, poor cognitive status, poor functional status, and markedly abnormal serum sodium, potassium, or glucose level mdash stratified the patients into three cohorts with an increasing risk of postoperative delirium (i.e., 9%, 19%, and 25%).     

Reconstructive techniques after ablative head and neck surgery

This article describes the reconstructive alternatives available to the head and neck surgeon today. Myocutaneous flaps, osteomyocutaneous flaps, and free flaps for reconstruction in the head and neck are detailed. Complications attendant to the use of these flaps are reported and cataloged.     

Bacteriologic analysis of wound infection following major head and neck surgery

Wound infection was studied prospectively in 23 (6.5%) of 354 patients who participated in a series of antibiotic trials during major contaminated head and neck surgical procedures. Polymicrobial infection was identified in 22 (96%) of 23 cases. The most commonly encountered organisms were aerobic bacteria (91%), anaerobes (74%), and fungi (48%). All fungal infections resolved without systemic antifungal therapy. It was, therefore, concluded that the presence of fungus represented colonization. The primary treatment of an infected wound is surgical drainage accompanied by broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy to prevent sepsis. The value of postoperative wound cultures is unclear. The majority of patients who developed wound infection had a variety of organisms that appeared to be unrelated to the prophylactic antibiotic used, as well as to the particular surgery performed.     

The risks of major head and neck surgery in the aged population

A review of 162 major head and neck operative cases for cancer in patients over age 70 from 1963-1973 are reviewed. The major and minor surgical complication rates and the rate of medical complications are compared to 552 similar procedures in patients under age 70, during the same time period. The operative mortality figures for each group, as well as the causes of death, are examined. A plea is made for aggressive therapy in the elderly, both in the surgical planning and in their pre- and postoperative care.     

Two cases of pulmonary embolism after head and neck surgery

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Here, we report two cases of PE following head and neck surgery: (1) in case 1, the patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), and (2) in case 2, the patient was suspected PE after resection of the parotid gland and radical neck dissection. Prophylactic compression devices were used during the operation in both cases. In case 1, PE was diagnosed 3 days following surgery after the patient complained of dyspnea while walking. PE was successfully treated by intravenous administration of heparin. In case 2, PE was strongly suspected 13 days following surgery after the patient experienced syncope and chest pain and exhibited abnormal findings on a cardiac echogram. This patient died 18 h after the onset of cardiac symptoms. Despite prophylactic measures taken during surgery, the prognosis was poor for this patient due to numerous high-risk factors (e.g., advanced age, obesity, prolonged immobilization). Although the incidence of postoperative PE in our department during the last 7 years is very low (0.04%), the frequency of postoperative PE in Japan has steadily increased in recent years. PE still is one of the most significant complications leading to morbidity and mortality following surgery. Given the gaining prominence of PE, we conclude that otolaryngologists including those in Japan should be reminded of high-risk factors associated with PE and be made aware of prophylactic treatments newly aimed at reducing the frequency of PE.     

Management of complications and compromised free flaps following major head and neck surgery

Microvascular free flaps are preferred for most major head and neck reconstruction surgeries because of better functional outcomes, improved esthetics, and generally higher success rates. Numerous studies have investigated measures to prevent flap loss, but few have evaluated the optimal treatment for free flap complications. This study aimed to determine the complication rate after free flap reconstructions and discusses our management strategies. Medical records of 260 consecutive patients who underwent free flap reconstructions for head and neck defects between July 2006 and June 2010 were retrospectively reviewed for patient and surgical characteristics and postoperative complications. The results revealed that microvascular free flaps were extremely reliable, with a 3.5 % incidence of flap failure. There were 78 surgical site complications. The most common complication was neck wound infection, followed by dehiscence, vascular congestion, abscess, flap necrosis, hematoma, osteoradionecrosis, and brisk bleeding. Twenty patients with poor wound healing received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which was ineffective in three patients who eventually experienced complete flap loss. Eleven patients with vascular congestion underwent medicinal leech therapy, which was effective. Among the 78 patients with complications, 44 required repeat surgery, which was performed for postoperative brisk bleeding in three. Eventually, ten patients experienced partial flap loss and nine experienced complete flap loss, with the latter requiring subsequent pectoralis major flap reconstruction. Microvascular free flap reconstruction represents an essential and reliable technique for head and neck defects and allows surgeons to perform radical resection with satisfactory functional results and acceptable complication rates.     

Same-day-stay head and neck surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine if selective head and neck surgical procedures on a same-day basis are justifiable. Two hundred consecutive head and neck same-day procedures were reviewed, including 84 parotidectomies and 116 other procedures previously managed as inpatients. Of the 200 patients, 36 (18%) were admitted, 33 for overnight observation, and 164 (82%) were discharged the same day. There were no complications reported in the discharged patients and a later questionnaire showed that 97% of the patients were satisfied. The advantages of selective same-day procedures outweigh the disadvantages for otolaryngologist and patient. The study shows that same-day-stay head and neck surgery for selective procedures is safe, reasonable, and cost-effective, but the combined efforts of the otolaryngologists, nurses, and administrators are required. Because of rising healthcare costs, experts are predicting a significant increase in the next few years of outpatient surgery, including surgery of the head and neck.     

胸大肌肌皮瓣在耳鼻咽喉头颈外科中的应用

目的探讨胸大肌肌皮瓣在耳鼻咽喉头颈外科手术中的应用方法及临床效果.方法1983至2001年手术治疗了247例头颈部肿瘤患者,用胸大肌肌皮瓣或联合其它组织瓣如胸三角皮瓣、裂层皮片、喉气管瓣、舌根瓣、胃瓣、胸骨舌骨肌筋膜瓣、胸锁乳突肌骨膜瓣、会厌瓣等对术中组织缺损进行了整复.结果247例胸大肌肌皮瓣修复术中,肌皮瓣坏死3例,咽瘘31例,切口感染42例,吻合口狭窄4例,严重出血3例.除3例外余者均恢复正常吞咽功能.结论胸大肌肌皮瓣供血可靠,成活率高,操作简单,能满足头颈部手术中广泛组织缺损的修复和功能重建,使部分晚期头颈肿瘤患者通过手术得以根治,以获得较好的生活质量.     

Age as a prognostic factor for complications of major head and neck surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine if age alone is a prognostic indicator of surgical outcomes for major head and neck procedures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study over a 4-year period. SETTING: Academic referral center, institutional practice, hospitalized care. PATIENTS: Included in this study were patients who had undergone ablative, reconstructive, and other major surgical procedures of the head and neck, including neck dissection, laryngectomy, maxillectomy, thyroidectomy with lymphadenectomy, and composite resection of the oral cavity with reconstruction, for both malignant and benign disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient data and intraoperative and postoperative course factors were recorded. Comorbidity was graded using an Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27 test, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and American Society of Anesthesiology score. Postoperative complications were dichotomized, and multiple logistic regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Medical chart review identified 157 cases. Analysis of data revealed that time under general anesthesia was the only factor consistently related to complications (P<.006), and it was the only factor consistently related to length of stay (P<.001). Analysis of major complications (6% incidence) as an outcome using univariate analysis resulted in a strong positive correlation with both comorbidity indexes: Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27 (P = .002) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (P = .005). Multiple logistic regression showed no significant relationship between age 70 years or older (20% of patients) and either complications or hospital length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Patient's age alone is not a prognostic indicator of surgical outcome for major head and neck procedures. However, comorbidity is an important predictive factor for postoperative complications in any age group. Time under general anesthesia showed a statistically significant relationship with complication rate and hospital length of stay in multivariate analyses. Consequently, prevention of complications should focus on optimizing preoperative comorbid conditions.     

Postoperative bleeding after laser surgery in head and neck tumors

BACKGROUND: There are different reports in the literature how often postoperative hemorrhage occurs after laser resection of head-and-neck tumours. This retrospective study investigates the frequency of postoperative hemorrhage after laser surgery of head and neck tumours. Time and extent of bleeding have been considered as well as the localization of the primary tumour and possible general risk factors. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Between 1998 and 2001, microscopic laser surgery was performed in 223 patients with previously untreated squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, oropharynx, supraglottic and glottic region and the hypopharynx. In case of ultrasonographic or palpable evidence of cervical lymphadenopathy surgery included subsequent neck dissection. The mean age of the patients was 59.2 year. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding occurred in 14 out of 223 patients (6 %). It was 9 % for oral carcinoma, patients 10 % for oropharyngeal carcinoma, 5 % for supraglottic carcinoma and none for glottic and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. 5 patients were treated conservatively, 4 patients were controlled bei cautery and ligation, 1 patient was treated with ligation of the lingual artery and in 2 cases ligation of the external carotid artery was performed. 1 patient had a fatal hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Laser-surgical resection of head and neck carcinomas does not lead to a higher incidence of bleeding complications compared to ordinary surgery.