Crippen MM, et al. - Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study with the aim to examine if a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a risk factor for complications in head and neck free flap surgery by assessing outcomes among patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). They identified 1,061 patients meeting inclusion criteria; 40 of these patients (3.8%) had a history of VTE. After accounting for patient characteristics via binary logistic regression, they identified independent association of VTE with an increased risk for postoperative thrombosis of the free flap pedicle and reoperation. They noted a significantly increased risk for flap failure among patients with history of PE. Findings overall suggest an increased risk for free flap compromise secondary to postoperative pedicle thrombosis among patients with a history of VTE. They recommend considering this risk in preoperative workup and postoperative monitoring.