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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
Association between blood pressure and postoperative hematomas in the patients undergoing head and neck cancer
Kuan-Ying Wang1,2,3, Kuo-Chung Yang1,3, Fang-Yi Su1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Background:
Postoperative hematoma is one of the most common complications of free flap reconstruction and compromises the perfusion of pedicles and perforators. Therefore, we reviewed our patients to analyze the associated risk factors.
Method:
This study involved a retrospective chart review from 2014 to 2016. We identified the patients undergoing free flap reconstructions for head and neck cancer. Patients with postoperative hematoma requiring surgical intervention were included.
Result:
We enlisted 289 patients undergoing head and neck reconstructions. Eighteen patients (6.2%) had postoperative hematomas of which 12 hematomas occurred within the first 3 days and 9 in the first 24 hours. Elevated systolic blood pressure increased the risk of hematoma formation, but hematoma was not associated with higher failure rate. Tachycardia was observed in the patients with hematoma.
Conclusions:
Transient elevated blood pressure increased the risk of hematoma. We suggest controlling systolic blood pressure below 150 mm Hg for prevention of hematoma.
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