OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to determine laboratory parameters predicting complications and/or failure in flap surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-seven patients undergoing reconstructive surgery with cutaneous free and pedicled flaps were included. Blood samples were taken 2 days before surgery and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after. Parameters associated with thrombophilia, bleeding disorders, and wound healing were determined. RESULTS: In 45 (77%) of 57 patients no complications occurred. Bleeding (9%) and venous thrombosis of the flaps (9%) led in 18% of the cases to surgical revisions. Activated protein C resistance showed a significant (P < .05) cluster in cases with venous thrombosis, whereas it was absent in all other cases. Fibrinogen, factor VIII:C, von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity, and VWF antigen were significantly (P < .05) higher in patients with venous thrombosis compared with all other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory parameters of thrombosis and bleeding appear to be associated with complications in flap surgery.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to determine laboratory parameters predicting complications and/or failure in flap surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-seven patients undergoing reconstructive surgery with cutaneous free and pedicled flaps were included. Blood samples were taken 2 days before surgery and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after. Parameters associated with thrombophilia, bleeding disorders, and wound healing were determined. RESULTS: In 45 (77%) of 57 patients no complications occurred. Bleeding (9%) and venous thrombosis of the flaps (9%) led in 18% of the cases to surgical revisions. Activated protein C resistance showed a significant (P < .05) cluster in cases with venous thrombosis, whereas it was absent in all other cases. Fibrinogen, factor VIII:C, von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity, and VWF antigen were significantly (P < .05) higher in patients with venous thrombosis compared with all other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory parameters of thrombosis and bleeding appear to be associated with complications in flap surgery.
Authors: Peter W Henderson; John G Fernandez; Yeliz Cemal; Babak J Mehrara; Andrea L Pusic; Colleen M McCarthy; Evan Matros; Peter G Cordeiro; Joseph J Disa Journal: J Reconstr Microsurg Date: 2016-02-12 Impact factor: 2.873