Predictive factors of postoperative complications related to free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients admitted to intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study.

[BACKGROUND] The epidemiology and risk factors for postoperative complications related to free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are unknown.

[METHODS] We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with free flap reconstruction of head and neck cancer between September 2015 and April 2023 admitted to the ICU of Beijing Tongren Hospital. The univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the risk factors for postoperative complications related to free flap reconstruction admitted to ICU, including flap necrosis, bleeding, fistula, and infection.

[RESULTS] A total of 239 patients were included in this study, and 38 (15.9%) patients had postoperative complications related to free flap reconstruction. The median length of ICU stay was 1 day (interquartile range, 1-2 days). Multivariate analysis found that low BMI (P < 0.001), high postoperative CRP (P = 0.005), low hemoglobin (P = 0.012), and inadequate fluid intake (P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for complications.

[CONCLUSIONS] Postoperative complications related to free flap reconstruction were common in this ICU population. Careful fluid management and monitoring of CRP and hemoglobin levels may reduce complications.