Flap reconstruction in two patients with rare blood coagulation disorders

Abstract

Coagulation disorders can be classified into two types: excessive bleeding and excessive clotting. Furthermore, the severity of the coagulation disorders can vary significantly among patients. We evaluated two relatively rare cases involving factor XIII subunit deficiency and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with concomitant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in two patients undergoing flap reconstructions after tumor excision. In the patient with excessive bleeding as a result of a factor XIII subunit deficiency, flap necrosis occurred from a large subcutaneous hematoma that pressed on the perforator pedicle. Normal clotting function was restored during the surgery by administering a factor XIII preparation (Fibrogammin® P). The patient with excessive clotting as a result of APS and SLE suffered necrosis of the flaps after undergoing radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and pedicled pectoralis major musculocutaneous (PMMC) flap operations. With clotting factor deficiencies, there are patients in whom no evidence of a coagulation disorder exists preoperatively. It is important for surgeons to pay close attention to the potential for coagulation disorders patients and to consult with specialists promptly when indicated.