Identifying Factors of Operative Efficiency in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction

Head and neck oncological resection and reconstruction is a complex process that requires multidisciplinary collaboration and prolonged operative time. Numerous factors are associated with operative time, including a surgeon's experience, team familiarity, and the use of new technologies. It is paramount to evaluate the contribution of these factors and modalities on operative time to facilitate broad adoption of the most effective modalities and reduce complications associated with prolonged operative time.

To examine the association of head and neck cancer resection and reconstruction interventions with operative time.

This large cohort study included all patients who underwent head and neck oncologic resection and free flap-based reconstruction in Calgary (Alberta, Canada) between January 1, 2007, and March 31, 2020. Data were analyzed between November 2021 and May2022.

The interventions that were implemented in the program were classified into team-based strategies and the introduction of new technology. Team-based strategies included introducing a standardized operative team, treatment centralization in a single institution, and introducing a microsurgery fellowship program. New technologies included use of venous coupler anastomosis and virtual surgical planning.

The primary outcome was mean operative time difference before and after the implementation of each modality. Secondary outcomes included returns to the operating room within 30 days, reasons for reoperation, returns to the emergency department or readmissions to hospital within 30 days, and 2-year and 5-year disease-specific survival. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the association of each modality with operative time.

A total of 578 patients (179 women [30.9%]; mean [SD] age, 60.8 [12.9] years) undergoing 590 procedures met inclusion criteria. During the study period, operative time progressively decreased and reached a 32% reduction during the final years of the study. A significant reduction was observed in mean operative time following the introduction of each intervention. However, a multivariate analysis revealed that team-based strategies, including the use of a standardized nursing team, treatment centralization, and a fellowship program, were significantly associated with a reduction in operative time.

The results of this cohort study suggest that among patients with head and neck cancer, use of team-based strategies was associated with significant decreases in operative time without an increase in complications.