Intensive care unit versus non–intensive care unit postoperative management of head and neck free flaps: Comparative effectiveness and cost comparisons

• DOI: 10.1002/hed.23325
• Publication Date: 2013-06-18T15:04:47Z
• Authors: Hassan Arshad; Hatice Gulcin Ozer; Aaron Thatcher; Matthew Old; Enver Ozer; Amit Agarwal; Hosseinali Jafari; Danette Birkheimer; Heidi Basinger; L. Arrick Forest; David E. Schuller; Theodoros N. Teknos
• Keywords: Free flap reconstruction; Specialty

Background Despite its widespread use, there is no consensus on the postoperative management in patients undergoing free flap reconstructions. We report largest study comparing outcomes, morbidity, and cost with head neck cancer flaps who recovered intensive care unit (ICU) versus a “specialty floor” setting. Methods This was retrospective review of surgery for defects over 4‐year period. Patients before certain date went to ICU immediate after non‐ICU Postoperative medical surgical complications hospital charges were analyzed. Results group had longer length stay (LOS) incurred greater costs than There difference failure rate between 2 groups. Conclusion Consideration should be given floor‐based regimen this patient population. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36 : 536–539, 2014