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Complications After Craniofacial Surgery: A Review From 2012 to 2020.
Maya Raghavan1, Adrian A Ong2, Michele M Carr1
1Otolaryngology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, USA.
Cureus
|March 11, 2025
Summary
Craniofacial surgery outcomes improved significantly, with decreased complication rates and hospital stays from 2012 to 2020. These advancements in pediatric craniofacial reconstruction suggest better surgical practices over time.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Craniofacial abnormalities necessitate complex surgical interventions with inherent risks.
- Evaluating trends in surgical outcomes is crucial for improving patient care.
- The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database offers valuable data for such analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze temporal trends in outcomes for a specific craniofacial reconstruction procedure (CPT code 21175).
- To assess changes in postoperative complication rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission, and reoperation over recent years.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, cross-sectional study design.
- Data extracted from the NSQIP-P database (2012-2020).
- Included 1730 pediatric patients undergoing CPT code 21175 (bifrontal, orbital rims, and forehead reconstruction).
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in postoperative complication rates was observed, from 80% in 2012 to 72% in 2020 (p=0.008).
- Mean hospital length of stay (LOS) decreased from 5.3 to 3.6 days (p<0.001).
- Readmission (1.9%) and reoperation (2.4%) rates remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Craniofacial surgery outcomes have improved, evidenced by reduced complication incidence and shorter hospital stays.
- These findings suggest advancements in surgical techniques and patient management protocols.
- Further research can explore specific factors contributing to these positive trends.
