Vitamin D deficiency tied to fistula development after reconstructive head and neck surgery: Study

USA: Patients with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop fistula following major head and neck surgery, a recent study in journal The Laryngoscope has revealed. 

Vitamin D deficiency is a commonly observed health problem in the world and has been associated with many chronic diseases. The importance of vitamin D deficiency in anesthesia management is increased. Considering this John Symms, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A., and colleagues aimed to investigate the association of vitamin D level and perioperative complications in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery in a retrospective cohort study.

The researchers performed a retrospective chart review for all patients undergoing reconstructive head and neck surgery between December 2017 and December 2019. Data regarding serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol) level, patient demographics, hospital course, prior radiation, and fistula formation were collected. 

Patients with vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL were considered deficient and ≧20 ng/mL were considered sufficient and outcomes were compared between the groups.