P059 Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) – An uncommon case of autonomic dysfunction following temporalis flap reconstruction

A 61 year old female underwent head and neck reconstruction for T2M0N0 SCC left posterior maxilla, utilising a temporalis flap. During the surgery the patient experienced two episodes of asystole/bradycardia, following a further admission due to complications, the patient endured a further three episodes of asystole/bradycardia associated with the temporalis flap, two of which resulted in cardiac arrest. Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR), relates to the triad of bradycardia, hypotension, apnoea or gastric hypermobility related to the stimulation of the trigeminal nerve.
Source: The British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Source Type: research