Gueret G, Bourgain JL, Luboinski B. Sudden death after major head and neck surgery.
Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2007;
14:89-94. [PMID:
16552265 DOI:
10.1097/01.moo.0000193171.31580.a3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review will discuss the mortality after major ear, nose and throat surgery, particularly sudden death. It will also discuss the postoperative follow-up of patients.
RECENT FINDINGS
Sudden death is a rare event after major ear, nose and throat surgery, and occurs mainly during the first three postoperative days.
SUMMARY
In more recent studies, the mortality rate after neck dissection was below 4%, which is at a lower value than reported in previous studies. Sudden deaths have been described, however, mainly during the first three postoperative days. Alcoholism and perioperative hypotension are two predictive factors for cardiac complications. Careful follow-up of these patients during the early postoperative period should be performed to reduce the mortality by shortening the delay of care.
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