Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Mouse Heterotopic Cervical Cardiac Transplantation Utilizing Vascular Cuffs
Published on: June 23, 2022
Cardiovascular and respiratory complications after major head and neck surgery
Dirk R Buitelaar1, Alfons J M Balm, Ninja Antonini
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, The Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands. d.buitelaar@nki.nl
Background:
Our aim was to gain insight into the incidence rates for, distribution of, and risk factors of postoperative cardiovascular and respiratory complications in major head and neck surgery.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective review of 469 patients who had undergone primary major head and neck surgery. Outcome measures were incidence rates, risk factors, and distribution over time for postoperative cardiovascular and respiratory complications. A multivariate analysis was performed.
Results:
The incidence rates for cardiovascular and respiratory complications were 57 of 469 (12%) and 50 of 469 (11%), respectively. The incidence rate for heart failure exceeded that for pneumonia. The peak incidence for cardiovascular complications was on the first postoperative day; for respiratory complications, on the second postoperative day. Risk factors for cardiovascular complications were age, pulmonary disease, alcohol abuse, and tumor location; risk factors for respiratory complications were pulmonary disease, previous myocardial infarction, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade.
Conclusion:
In this study, the incidence rates for cardiovascular and respiratory complications were very similar. The first postoperative day was crucial with regard to cardiovascular complications. Age and chronic pulmonary diseases were the common risk factors for cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
Related Concept Videos
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

