Challenges and Strategies in Surgical Site Infections in Head and Neck Oncology Patients

Authors

  • Maikel Pérez Valerino Médico especialista de primer grado en MGI y ORL. Cirujano Oncológico de Cabeza y Cuello. INOR
  • Isolivia Daudinot Guerra
  • Solveing Rousseaux Lamothe
  • Amílcar Duquesne Alderete
  • Yaumara Pedraye Soto
  • Elizabeth Sanler Wong

Abstract

Introduction: Head and neck surgeries are common in the treatment of malignancies, and surgical wound infections in cancer patients represent a significant challenge. These patients, often immunocompromised, are at increased risk of posoperative complications that affect their recovery and quality of life. The incidence of infections varies, being higher in complex procedures.

Objective: To determine the behavior of surgical wound infections in head and neck cancer patients.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted. The sample consisted of 513 oncological surgeries performed in the Head and Neck Department of the Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology during 2024. The sample consisted of 35 examinations.

Results: The most common predisposing factors were prior radiation therapy, advanced age, smoking, and habitual alcohol consumption. An infection rate of 6.8 % was found, with a predominance of gram-negative bacteria. Infections were associated with a significantly increased length of hospital stay.

Conclusions: Surgical wound infections in cancer patients undergoing head and neck surgery require multidisciplinary care and effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of posoperative infections. Accurate identification of pathogens and their susceptibility profile contributes to better management of infections in this patient population.

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Published

2025-04-04

How to Cite

1.
Pérez Valerino M, Daudinot Guerra I, Rousseaux Lamothe S, Duquesne Alderete A, Pedraye Soto Y, Sanler Wong E. Challenges and Strategies in Surgical Site Infections in Head and Neck Oncology Patients . Rev Cubana Otorrinolaringol Cirug Cabeza Cuello [Internet]. 2025 Apr. 4 [cited 2025 Apr. 5];9:e_459. Available from: https://revotorrino.sld.cu/index.php/otl/article/view/459

Issue

Vol. 9 (2025): publicación continua

Section

Artículos originales de investigación

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Maikel Pérez Valerino, Isolivia Daudinot Guerra, Solveing Rousseaux Lamothe, Amílcar Duquesne Alderete, Yaumara Pedraye Soto, Elizabeth Sanler Wong

Creative Commons License

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