Complications in craniofacial surgery.

200 consecutive patients undergoing craniofacial operations have been reviewed and the complications and problems encountered are reported. The complications were all among patients undergoing surgery in which intracranial exposure was used and the incidence was notably higher in some particular patient groups. Complications occurred in 22% of patients overall and the mortality rate was 1%. Complications in the 'disaster or life-threatening' category were seen in 9.5% of patients. Infection rate was low at 1%.