Morbidity after cervicofacial cancer surgery

Identification of specific risk factors by analysis of complications and new reconstructive surgical procedures has changed anaesthesia practice for cervicofacial cancer surgery. In spite of difficult airways and long duration of surgery, the incidence of complications is low. Adapted protocols for patients with cardiac or respiratory diseases allow the reduction of complication rate. Nevertheless, risk of early postoperative death persists and justifies careful monitoring during the first days after surgery. Incidence of local infection remains high. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.