Combined report of problems and complications in 793 craniofacial operations.

We report the experiences in 6 major craniofacial centers, with similar teams but in different parts of the world, in a total of 793 craniofacial operations. The mortality rate was 1.6%. Complications developed in 16.5% of the cases (including infections in 4.4%). This surgery has many potential advantages, not least of which is its psychosocial effects on previously disfigured patients. Certain problems seem inherent, however, for there are not yet any satisfactory solutions to them. Some of the factors that reduce morbidity and improve results include the use of hypotensive anesthesia, a reduction in operating time, rigid stabilization of the mobilized bones at the end of the operation, a diminution in the number of incisions, and extensive antibiotic therapy.