Effect of operative time on complications associated with free flap reconstruction of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether prolonged operative time is negatively associated with post-operative complications and length of stay in patients undergoing microvascular free flap reconstruction for complex head and neck defects. METHODS: 342 consecutive patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction for head and neck defects between 2017-2019 at a single institution were evaluated. Operative outcomes and operative time were compared whilst controlling for patient and treatment related factors. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 551 min and length of stay was 16.2 days. An 11% increase in the risk of a post-operative complication was observed for every additional hour of operative time (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.21, p = 0.011) after adjusting for patient and treatment factors. A cut-off of 9 h yielded a 92% increase in complications on either side of this (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.18-3.13, p = 0.009). Increased operative time was also associated with increased length of stay and return to theatres, but not medical complications. CONCLUSION: Prolonged operative time is significantly associated with increased surgical complications, length of stay and return to theatres when performing microvascular reconstructive surgery for head and neck defects.