N Sigaux1, P Philouze2, F Boucher3, M Jacquemart4, P Frobert5, P Breton4. 1. Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Hospices Civils de Lyon - Claude-Bernard-Lyon 1 University, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France. Electronic address: n.sigaux@gmail.com. 2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospices Civils de Lyon - Claude-Bernard-Lyon 1 University, 103 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France. 3. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgery - Croix Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon - Claude-Bernard-Lyon 1 University, 103 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France. 4. Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Hospices Civils de Lyon - Claude-Bernard-Lyon 1 University, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France. 5. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgery, Centre Léon-Bérard - Cancer Treatment Center, 28 rue Laënnec, 69008 Lyon, France.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The physical and medical postoperative measures after free flap reconstruction vary substantially between surgical units. The objective of this review was to identify the postoperative measures which proved a significant positive effect on free flap survival. METHOD: A review was conducted in the MEDLINE database on the English and French literature. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Twenty-eight articles were retained. A meta-analysis of 4984 patients who were given antithrombotics (viz. antiplatelets and anticoagulants) postoperatively found that these treatments were of no significant benefit to free flap survival and increased the risk of postoperative hematoma. Postoperative transfusions did not favor free flap survival and were associated with a higher incidence of medical complications. Preoperative anemia was a risk factor for free flap failure. Blood pressure control, vasodilators, antioxidants, corticotherapy, oxygen therapy, and prolonged immobilization were of no proven benefit. CONCLUSION: No postoperative therapy, whether drug-based or not, has been shown to have a significant positive effect on free flap survival.
INTRODUCTION: The physical and medical postoperative measures after free flap reconstruction vary substantially between surgical units. The objective of this review was to identify the postoperative measures which proved a significant positive effect on free flap survival. METHOD: A review was conducted in the MEDLINE database on the English and French literature. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Twenty-eight articles were retained. A meta-analysis of 4984 patients who were given antithrombotics (viz. antiplatelets and anticoagulants) postoperatively found that these treatments were of no significant benefit to free flap survival and increased the risk of postoperative hematoma. Postoperative transfusions did not favor free flap survival and were associated with a higher incidence of medical complications. Preoperative anemia was a risk factor for free flap failure. Blood pressure control, vasodilators, antioxidants, corticotherapy, oxygen therapy, and prolonged immobilization were of no proven benefit. CONCLUSION: No postoperative therapy, whether drug-based or not, has been shown to have a significant positive effect on free flap survival.