Predictors of Postoperative Complications After Paramedian Forehead Flaps

Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2021 Dec;23(6):469-475. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2020.0570. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

Abstract

Importance: The predictors of postoperative complications after paramedian forehead flaps (PMFF) are unknown. Objective: To determine whether preoperative factors can predict post-PMFF complications. Design, Setting, Participants: A retrospective review of 1438 adults from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database who underwent PMFF between 2010 and 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Surgical complications, medical complications, and all-cause mortality. Results: Of the 1438 patients, 75 experienced postoperative complications (5.2%). Of these, 36 developed isolated surgical complications (2.5%), 29 developed isolated medical complications (2.0%), and 8 developed concurrent surgical and medical complications (0.5%). Of the three mortalities (0.2%), one patient developed concurrent surgical and medical complications. A dirty or infected wound classification was the strongest predictor of postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] 13.5; confidence interval [95% CI] 3.4-49.5). In contrast, the likelihood of postoperative complications decreased significantly with outpatient procedures (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2-0.8). Conclusions and Relevance: A dirty or infected wound classification is the strongest predictor of postoperative complications after PMFF.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Forehead / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures* / methods
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Young Adult