Early discharge after free-tissue transfer does not increase adverse events

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Head and Neck Reconstruction
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Free flap reconstruction is a cornerstone of head and neck cancer treatment.
• Optimizing patient recovery and hospital resource utilization is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early discharge (postoperative day 3) for free flap reconstruction patients.
• To determine if early discharge impacts complication or readmission rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 101 patients undergoing 104 free-tissue transfers for head and neck reconstruction.
• Patients were discharged by postoperative day 3.
• Data collected included flap type, recipient vessels, indications, complications, and readmissions.

Main Results:

• The study reviewed 101 patients (104 free flaps) with a 2.9% flap failure rate.
• No flap failures or perioperative complications were associated with early discharge.
• Only 2 patients required readmission within 30 days.

Conclusions:

• Early discharge after free-tissue transfer is a safe and viable option for carefully selected head and neck reconstruction patients.
• This strategy can reduce healthcare costs and minimize hospital-associated adverse events.