Venous thromboembolism in head and neck surgery: Risk, outcome, and burden at the national level

Abstract

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can complicate major surgeries. This study examines the risk and outcomes of VTE in patients who underwent head and neck surgeries.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010‐2014). Study population included adults (≥18 year) patients who underwent head and neck surgeries.

Results

A total 386 VTE patients and 116 450 controls included. VTE risk was 0.37%, postoperative mortality was 4.87%. Of VTE, 57.02% identified within the initial admission for surgery, while the rest required readmission within 90 days. VTE high‐risk surgeries included: major ear/skull base surgeries, major nose/paranasal sinuses surgeries, major mouth/tonsil surgeries, major salivary glands/ducts surgeries, major maxillofacial bones/mandible surgeries, and major and nonmajor pharynx and larynx surgeries (P < .05). Those same surgeries were also associated with a high risk of readmission (P < .05).

Conclusions

VTE is associated with a significant mortality risk. Surgeries that involve the pharynx and larynx have the highest risk of VTE and readmission.

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