Factors Affecting Postoperative Complications After Reconstructive Surgery in Oral Carcinoma Patients: A Prospective Study of 100 Patients

Postoperative complications may result in significant functional morbidity, poor cosmetic results, prolonged hospitalization, preclusion of optimal treatment for the cancer, or even be pose threat to life. We prospectively assessed postoperative complications in 100 patients who underwent surgical resection with free or pedicled flap reconstruction as a primary modality of treatment in patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity. One hundred consecutive patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for oral cancer were prospectively analyzed for age, gender, comorbidities, tumor stage, nodal stage, primary sub-site of tumour, reconstructive procedure (free or pedicled), duration of surgery, blood transfusions during surgery, preoperative weight and body mass index, patient generated subjective global assessment status and tracheostomy to determine their effect on postoperative complications as determined on the CD scale. The sample comprised 100 patients with a mean age of 52.12 years (range 24–80 years) and 74% men (M:F ratio 3:1). A total of 40 patients developed surgical complications (including two deaths) while medical complications were seen in 10 patients (including one death). Tracheostomy (52 vs. 7%, p = 0.002) and age (54 vs. 49 years, p = 0.031) were associated with higher complication rate. Higher age and tracheostomy is associated with higher complications in postoperative period.