Outcome Analysis of Free Flap Salvage in Outpatients Presenting with Microvascular Compromise

Rene D. Largo, Jesse C. Selber, Patrick B. Garvey, Edward I. Chang, Matthew M. Hanasono, Peirong Yu, Charles E. Butler, Donald P. Baumann

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Extensive flap salvage attempts are routinely performed in patients with late-onset flap vascular crisis despite low flap survival rates. A knowledge gap exists in management of compromised free flaps in patients who present with perfusion-related complications after hospital discharge. Methods: A retrospective review of 7443 free flaps used in 7128 cancer patients at a single institution from January of 2001 to March of 2015 was performed. Results: Of 7443 free flap reconstructions, 856 patients (12 percent) were taken back to the operating room. Also, 261 patients (4 percent) suffered from microvascular compromise, of whom 110 (1 percent) experienced total flap loss. The authors identified 17 patients (10 breast cancer patients and seven head and neck cancer patients) who had vascular flap compromise and underwent reoperation after hospital discharge (median, 10 days; range, 4 to 107 days) after free flap reconstruction. Of these 17 patients, nine breast cancer patients and two head and neck cancer patients underwent flap salvage attempts. Salvage procedures included thrombectomy, thrombolytic and heparin injections, and reanastomoses (11 patients); vein grafting (four patients); vein supercharging with cephalic turndown (two patients); and change of recipient vessels (two patients). Sixteen of the 17 patients (94 percent) experienced total flap loss, and one patient (6 percent) had partial flap loss requiring long-lasting wound treatment. Conclusions: Outpatient free flap salvage has a low success rate regardless of flap type, recipient site, or patient population. The authors' study suggests that immediate second-line reconstruction is more effective for late-onset flap vascular crisis than extensive flap salvage procedures. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Pages20e-27e
Number of pages8
Volume141
Edition1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018
EventEuropean Association of Plastic Surgeons: 27th Annual Meeting - Brussels, Belgium
Duration: May 25 2016May 28 2016

Publication series

NamePlastic and reconstructive surgery
ISSN (Print)0032-1052

Conference

ConferenceEuropean Association of Plastic Surgeons
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityBrussels
Period5/25/165/28/16

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use
  • Free Tissue Flaps/blood supply
  • Humans
  • Ischemia/etiology
  • Male
  • Microvessels/surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications/therapy
  • Reconstructive Surgical Procedures/methods
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Salvage Therapy/methods
  • Thrombectomy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Grafting

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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