Cumulative risk factors for flap failure, thrombosis, and hematoma in free flap reconstruction for head and neck cancer: a retrospective nested case-control study.

Thrombosis poses a greater risk than hematoma for flap failure. Utilization of the PMT flap and the SThV markedly increased the risk of thrombosis and flap failure. These findings highlight the importance of antithrombotic prophylaxis and the selection of flaps and recipient veins in recurrent HNC patients.