Postoperative complications after head and neck operations that require free tissue transfer - prevalent, morbid, and costly.

To understand and reduce the impact of postoperative complications, we studied 568 patients who had had operations over 72 months in our hospital. Multivariate analysis indicated that factors indicative of coexisting conditions (including activated systemic inflammation) and the complexity of the operation are primary determinants of postoperative complications. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) care pathway did not have an effect on their occurrence or severity.

DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX is a potential predictive marker for progression of epithelial dysplasia of the oral cavity.

Aims: To evaluate the relationships between immunohistochemical markers related to cellular senescence, cell proliferation and histological grade of epithelial dysplasia (OD) of the oral cavity. In addition, the predictive value of these markers for progression of OD was assessed.

Methods And Results: Retrospective immunohistochemical analyses were performed on 86 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of OD and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) for Ki67, phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX), p53, p16, trimethyl-histone H3 (Lys9) (H3K9me3) and cyclin D1 (CycD1).

Sublingual gland excision: a dissection carried out following adjacent anatomical structures.

We describe an anatomical and simple technique for the removal of the submandibular gland that has good outcomes and minimal complications.

Dabigatran (Pradaxa(®)): surgeon's friend or foe?

All clinicians, whether in primary or secondary care settings, are likely to encounter patients on this new anticoagulant. Therefore, it is imperative that clinicians are aware of the risks and benefits associated with dabigatran.