Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein
Published on: January 13, 2026
Justification of routine venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in head and neck cancer reconstructive surgery
Hui Shan Ong1, Sandhya Gokavarapu2, Laith Al-Qamachi3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial - Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a preventable complication in which early ambulation is expected after head and neck surgery. Thus, the role of VTE prophylaxis is questionable and needs further assessment. The purpose of this study was to specify the relative contributing risk factors for patients who underwent head and neck cancer ablation with immediate reconstruction.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted of consecutive head and neck cancer ablations with immediate reconstructions between 2008 and 2013. Dextran and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were routinely given as flap thromboprophylaxis. Logistic regression was applied to analyze the potentially significant risk factors.
Results:
Of 1953 subjects, the incidence of symptomatic VTE was 2.2% with 0.1% mortality rate. Prolonged surgery (>592.5 minutes; P = .048), immobilization (>4 days; P = .019), and subjects without postoperative flap thromboprophylaxis (P = .002) are significant risk factors for VTE development.
Conclusion:
Our flap thromboprophylaxis regime might have played a crucial role in keeping the incidence of VTE low. Despite prolonged immobilization in fibula flap reconstruction, the incidence of VTE remained low when flap thromboprophylaxis was given.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
