Risks of Head and Neck Surgery in Previously Irradiated Patients

Abstract

One hundred and five consecutive patients who underwent major surgical procedures for head and neck cancer were reviewed for complications. Those who received irradiation in an "unplanned" fashion suffered a far greater incidence of complications (77% dehiscence, 73% fistula, and 50% carotid artery necrosis) than did those irradiated in "planned" fashion (35% dehiscence, 23% fistulae, and 2.8% carotid artery necrosis), or nonirradiated patients (15% dehiscence, 8% fistulae, and 0% carotid artery necrosis).