SynthesisHead & neck2026
Tracheostomy in Flap-Based Head and Neck Cancer Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Indications and Adverse Outcomes.
Synthesis in Head & neck, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Adverse Airway Events Following Head and Neck Cancer Reconstruction Without Elective Tracheostomy.Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery · 2026Pooled it
- Tracheostomy in Flap-Based Head and Neck Cancer Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Indications and Adverse Outcomes.Head & neck · 2026Pooled it
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundTracheostomy is frequently performed during flap-based reconstruction for head and neck cancer, but predictive factors and complications are not well established.
methodsA systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. Studies of adult patients undergoing free or pedicled flap reconstruction were included. Pooled tracheostomy rates, predictors, and complications were analyzed using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I
resultsTwenty-six studies (27 029 patients) were included. The pooled tracheostomy rate was 54.6%, decreasing to 42.4% when routine tracheostomy studies were excluded. Advanced tumor stage, oropharyngeal site, bilateral neck dissection, prior radiotherapy, and smoking predicted tracheostomy. Flap type was not significantly associated. The overall complication rate was 16.3%, including airway issues (2.6%). No significant change in tracheostomy rates was observed over 30 years.
conclusionsTracheostomy use is influenced by tumor, surgical, and patient factors. Selective tracheostomy and validated risk tools may improve outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed.
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Registered trials
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