title: Examination of possible predictors of complications after free tissue transfer to the head and neck for oncologic defects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The advent of vascularized free tissue transfer marked an incredible addition to the breadth of options available to the reconstructive surgeon when treating head and neck defects. The goal of this study is to determine if readily available laboratory tests may be used to stratify the risk for developing complications after free tissue transfer in specific patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Institutional review board approval was obtained for a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent free tissue transfer for reconstruction of oncologic head and neck defects between 2001 and 2010 by the senior author (R.O.D.).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 107 free tissue transfers to the head and neck for oncologic defects during this period. A significant relationship was found between a preoperative hemoglobin less than 10 mg/dL and a postoperative albumin less than 2.5 mg/dL and complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preoperative hemoglobin less than 10 mg/dL and postoperative albumin less than 2.5 mg/dL seem to be useful as indicators of an increased likelihood of developing postoperative complications. Correction of these values preoperatively and postoperatively may lead to improved surgical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
authors.forename: Ian C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Hoppe
authors.forename: Brenon L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Abernathie
authors.forename: Ramazi O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Datiashvili
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D006085:Graft Survival; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D057234:Preoperative Period; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D006454:Hemoglobins; D012709:Serum Albumin