Perioperative morbidity in maxillofacial orthopaedic surgery: a retrospective study.

The data of 2049 patients, who underwent maxillofacial orthopaedic surgery, were retrospectively analysed for major intra- and immediate postoperative complications. Immediate life-threatening complications were very rare. They can in most cases be avoided by good anaesthetic and surgical techniques and adequate postoperative care. The most frequently encountered problem in maxillary surgery is excessive blood loss, whilst a compromised airway due to swelling is the most frequent complication in mandibular surgery. Good co-operation between anaesthetist and surgeon is essential to prevent major intraoperative and immediate postoperative problems.