Question: A 78 year old male undergoes wide local excision of a facial skin cancer, lateral temporal bone resection, and cervicoparotid rotation flap for closure. On postoperative day 1, the edge of the flap near the tragus appears dusky and bluish. Nitropaste is initiated. Later in the day, the patient’s nurse calls to inform you that he feels flushed, and that his vital signs demonstrate mild hypotension and tachycardia. What likely happened in this situation?

a) Early SIRS/sepsis related to skin flap necrosis

b) Medication side effect

c) Vestibulopathy from LTBR

d) None of the above

[Answer will be posted with next week's new question]

Answer to last week's question, “Trigger Happy” (September 14, 2020)

D - Alcohol.