Abstract
Introduction: Complex cervicofacial cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction is known to have a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). We hypothesized that by implementing an optimized respiratory protocol, including preemptive postoperative pressure support ventilation, physiotherapy, and critical respiratory support and follow-up, we could decrease the incidence of PPCs. Patients and methods: We evaluated the incidence of PPCs over two periods in two groups of patients having a routine or optimized postoperative respiratory protocol: 156 adult patients undergoing major cervicofacial cancer surgery were assessed; 91 were in Group 1 (routine) and 65 were in Group 2 (optimized). In Group 1, no ventilatory support sessions were performed. The incidence of pulmonary complications in both groups was compared using a multivariate analysis. Mortality was also compared until one year postoperatively. Results: In Group 2 with an optimized protocol, the mean number of ventilatory support sessions was 3.7 ± 1 (minimum 2, maximum 6). The incidence of respiratory complications, which was 34% in Group 1 (routine), was reduced by 59% OR = 0.41 (0.16; 0.95), p = 0.043) to 21% for the optimized Group 2. No difference in mortality was found. Conclusions: The present retrospective study showed that using an optimized preemptive respiratory pressure support ventilation combined with physiotherapy after a major cervicofacial surgery could possibly help reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications. Prospective studies are needed to verify these findings.