State-of-the-art management for challenging complications in head and neck surgery

Abstract

Head and neck surgical complications can result in significant morbidity for patients. Innovations over the past few years have shown promise in mitigating these effects. Specifically, new medications, bioactive agents, and bioengineered materials may reduce the resultant morbidity. Certain historic existing medical therapies, such as oxandrolone, tissue plasminogen activator, and royal jelly/honey, have new applications in the management of challenging head and neck surgical complications. This review describes some of the more common and challenging complications in head and neck surgery and modern techniques for management.

Keywords

Chylous fistula / venous thrombosis / nerve injury / microvascular free flap / octreotide / fistula

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