Head and neck ablative and microvascular reconstructive surgery in the UK: current operating team composition

We sought to explore the current landscape of team composition in the provision of major head and neck ablative and reconstructive surgery in the UK. We conducted a survey of maxillofacial surgery units and compiled data on the operating model adopted at each institution. Our survey confirmed 54 active maxillofacial units undertaking microvascular free flap reconstructive surgery, with 44 (82%) hospitals adopting a two-team operative approach. We found no significant association between hospital type and volume of free flaps undertaken and prevailing operating team model. Our study provides an interesting snapshot of the current head and neck microvascular reconstructive practice in the UK.