Statistical analysis of post-operative complications after head and neck surgery

The risk factors for wound complications after surgery for head and neck cancers at Tokai University Hospital were evaluated. The medical records of 71 head and neck cancer patients who underwent surgery between January 2000 and December 2002 were reviewed. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 39.4%. Uni- and multivariate analyses of the risk factors leading to complications demonstrated that free flap use was significant. Further, we analyzed the relationship between radiotherapy and postoperative complications. There was no significant correlation between them.The prevention and treatment of postoperative complications were discussed.