title: Critical care of the head and neck patient.
abstract: The patient with head and neck disease has several peculiarities that need to be recognized for the treating team to offer optimal care. These arise from the primary disorders (eg, head and neck cancer or injuries) and the morbidity they might cause, the associated comorbidities, and the possible complications of treatment. A team approach involving the surgeon, the intensivist, and other caretaking personnel is essential to achieve high-quality care and ensure the best results possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 275 Medical Sciences Research Building, Box 2629, Durham, NC 27710, USA. garan001@mc.duke.edu
authors.forename: Stavros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Garantziotis
authors.forename: Dionysios E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Kyrmizakis
authors.forename: Antonios D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Liolios
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000601:surgery*; D003422:Critical Care; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000150:complications; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking