ICU or not? new study questions routine intensive care after head and neck reconstruction

This study looks at whether patients who have head and neck reconstructive surgery with a tissue flap recover just as well on a regular hospital ward as in the intensive care unit (ICU). About 192 adults will be randomly assigned to either the ICU or a specialty ear-nose-throat ward after surgery. The goal is to see if there are any differences in minor or major complications, tissue death, or length of hospital stay. The results could help hospitals use their resources more wisely without compromising patient safety.