Predictors of complications in patients undergoing oral cavity cancer surgery
Reviewed by Shabbir Akhtar

Surgical management of oral cavity cancers is complex, frequently involving extensive resections and complicated reconstructions. Quantification of risk in an individual patient may allow surgeons to more effectively identify patients at higher risk of complications and develop strategies for prevention, timely recognition, proactive management and informed consent from the patient. In this study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center authors retrospectively reviewed medical records of 506 patients. Thirty-six variables were tested as potential predictors of complications. Nomogram was developed to detect which patients are at higher risk of developing complications. Six variables including body mass index (BMI), comorbidity status, preoperative white blood cell count, preoperative hematocrit, planned neck dissection, and planned tracheotomy had highest predictive value. Authors have developed a statistical tool that accurately estimates an individual patient’s risk of developing a major complication after surgery for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. 

Individualized risk estimation for postoperative complications after surgery for oral cavity cancer.
Awad MI, Palmer FL, Kou L, et al.
JAMA OTOLARYNGOLOGY HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
2015; 141(11):960-8.