Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2001
Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck: analysis of 241 cases.
We undertook this study of free flap reconstruction of the head and neck to stratify patients and procedures, to determine how donor site preference changed over time, to assess medical and surgical outcomes, and to identify variables associated with complications. ⋯ Risk to patients and transferred tissue is low in free flap head and neck reconstruction. Age, smoking history, and weight loss should be considered during patient selection. Fluid balance should be considered during and after surgery. Division of labor for patient care should be carefully delineated among surgeons in a teaching setting.