title: Complications in head and neck surgery.
abstract: Complications of the surgery for head and neck cancer may be catastrophic or noncatastrophic. Recognition of this is frequently as important as the method of resolution. A general classification of complications as anatomic, physiologic, technical, and functional will aid in recognition and prevention of these problems in this difficult group of patients.
mesh_terms: D001929:Brain Edema / Q000209:etiology; D002339:Carotid Arteries; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D006257:Head / Q000098:blood supply; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007011:Hypoparathyroidism / Q000209:etiology; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000209:etiology; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D009333:Neck / Q000098:blood supply; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology