Delayed mobilization after microsurgical reconstruction: an independent risk factor for pneumonia

Objectives/Hypothesis Large defects secondary to oral cancer resection are reconstructed with microsurgical free flaps. Pulmonary complications in these patients are common. Postoperative mobilization is recommended to decrease respiratory complications; however, many microsurgeons are reluctant to adopt early mobilization protocols due to the perceived risk of flap compromise. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pneumonia among patients undergoing oral cancer resection and immediate free flap reconstruction and to compare the incidence of this complication between patients mobilized early (