Analysis of thrombosis on postoperative day 5 or later after microvascular reconstruction for head and neck cancers

Because of the low incidence of late thrombosis in free flaps used for head and neck reconstruction, the risk factors, prognosis, and the optimal method of treatment are unclear.

The timing of thrombosis, types of flaps, occluded vessels, causative factors, previous irradiation, and salvage rates were reviewed and compared between 79 patients who had thrombosis on postoperative day 4 or earlier (early-thrombosis group) and 24 patients who had thrombosis on postoperative day 5 or later (late-thrombosis group).

The main causative factor for thrombosis in the late-thrombosis group was wound infection (54%), whereas wound infection was present in only 1% of cases of thrombosis in the early-thrombosis group. None of the flaps could be salvaged in the late-thrombosis group.

Poor salvage rate in the late-thrombosis group is the most serious problem. Prevention, early detection, and appropriate management of wound infection are essential for avoiding late thrombosis.