The indications and outcomes in the use of osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap.

Introduction: Whether secondary to cancer surgery ablation or trauma, surgeons are faced with defects of the mandible or maxilla that would be best reconstructed with a thin, pliable soft tissue component and vascularized bone. A subset of these challenging wounds do not require the bicortical bone necessary to reestablish structural integrity or to retain a dental prosthesis, because the soft tissue needs are more critical than the bony needs. It is this niche that the radial forearm osteofaciocutaneous free flap (RFOFF) fulfills well.

Predictors of perioperative complications in head and neck patients.

Background: Patients with significant medical problems requiring major otolaryngology procedures are at high risk for both medical and surgical complications.

Objective: To identify risk factors associated with perioperative complications in medically compromised patients undergoing major otolaryngology procedures.

Methods: Ninety-three consecutive patients with significant comorbid medical illnesses (eg, diabetes, hypertension) undergoing major head and neck surgical procedures were referred to a medical consultation center for preoperative assessment and medical management.