Prolonged operative time predicts postoperative deep venous thrombosis in head and neck cancer patients who undergo free flap reconstruction

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study sought to quantify the deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing free tissue transfer and to identify independent predictors of postoperative DVT. Materials and Methods This is a cross‐sectional study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 through 2020. The sample included all HNC surgical patients treated with free flap reconstruction. The study outcome was the presence of a DVT requiring treatment within 30 days of surgery. Univariate analyses were performed using chi‐squared and independent t‐tests. A multiple logistic regression model was created using all significant univariate predictors. Results A total of 3954 patients were identified, of whom 53 (1.3%) experienced a postoperative DVT. The only medical comorbidity associated with DVT was COPD (RR = 2.7 [1.3, 5.4]; p 9 h and COPD history were independent risk factors for DVT in this subset of patients. Symptomatic DVTs necessitating treatment were accompanied by poorer post‐hospitalization outcomes. Level of Evidence Level 3.

Keywords

• flap physiology
• head and neck
• microvascular reconstruction and transplant surgery