Complications, Mortality, and Functional Decline in Patients 80 Years or Older Undergoing Major Head and Neck Ablation and Reconstruction

Abstract

Important demographic, clinical, and surgical characteristics were found to be associated with postoperative complications, mortality, and functional decline in patients 80 years or older undergoing major head and neck surgery. Free flap and bony reconstruction were not independently associated with worse outcomes. A novel risk stratification system is presented.