• New neurologic dysfunction
• Hemodynamic instability: Hypertension more common than hypotension, typically peaks 2–4 hours after surgery
• Myocardial ischemia: ECG to rule out as cause of hemodynamic instability
• Temporary cranial nerve injuries
• Hematomas: 1%–2% of patients
• Hyperperfusion syndrome: Ipsilateral headache, seizures
• Respiratory insufficiency: Recurrent laryngeal nerve or hypoglossal nerve injury or neck hematoma; consider possibility of tracheal compression from hematoma
• Intensive care surveillance limited to high-risk patients

ECG = electrocardiography.