Risk factors for wound complications in head and neck reconstruction: 773 free jejunal reconstruction procedures after total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Most studies that examined risk factors for wound complications after head and neck reconstruction analyzed various complications collectively. Moreover, they included a wide variety of resection areas and reconstruction materials. To overcome these limitations, both the resection area and reconstruction method were constrained in the present study.

METHODS: Patients who underwent free jejunal graft reconstruction after pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy for hypopharyngeal cancer were enrolled. The outcomes of interest were abscesses, fistulas, and cervical skin flap necrosis.

RESULTS: Abscesses, fistulas, and cervical skin flap necrosis developed in 19.3%, 11.3%, and 8.2% of 773 patients, respectively. A significant relationship was found between use of an open drain and abscess formation and between a longer operation time and cervical skin flap necrosis.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that use of an open drain, cardiovascular disease, and a longer operation time are significant risk factors for abscess formation, fistula formation, and cervical skin flap necrosis, respectively.