Key points
  1. This study analyzed a contemporary cohort over a relatively short period where outcomes can reliably be recorded and verified
  2. This is the first Australian study that demonstrated operative time as it relates to surgical technique, comparing pedicled and free flaps and also stratified by flap type, oncological resection, or comorbidity
  3. Operations more than 9 hours duration were associated with an 89% increase in the odds of developing a surgical complication
  4. Prolonged operative time was also significantly associated with length of stay and return to theatres
  5. Future studies are needed to investigate associations with each component of operative time element separately in a multi-institutional design