Preventing postoperative haematomas in microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck: lessons learnt from 126...

Free tissue transfer has become a safe and reliable means for repairing soft tissue and bony defects of the head and neck. Although operative success has reached 98%, the incidence of significant postoperative complications is also relatively high (32%). One common and significant complication is haematoma formation, occurring at both donor and recipient sites, and yet there are minimal published studies on its incidence, aetiology or outcome. A retrospective analysis of both donor- and recipient-site wound haematoma was carried out to identify causative factors and the effect on patient outcome.

A 5-year review of 132 consecutive microvascular free tissue transfers to head and neck defects at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, for the period February 2001 to February 2006, was conducted.

Of 126 included cases, 27 postoperative haematomas resulted. Statistically significant associations were found for each of smoking, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and the use of corticosteroids preoperatively with the incidence of postoperative haematoma formation. Postoperative blood pressure control and the adequacy of primary tumour excision at the flap recipient site were also found to have significant associations with haematoma formation. Drain tube outputs served as accurate indicators for haematoma.

There are significant reversible factors that contribute to the development of postoperative haematomas in head and neck reconstructive surgery. Preoperative modifications should, therefore, be sought. Similarly, close monitoring of patient blood pressure during the initial 24 h postoperative period by theatre and recovery staff is important, as is the adequacy of postoperative analgesia.