Cases Of Free Flaps Research Articles

Effectiveness of Risk Analysis Index Frailty Scores as a Predictor of Adverse Outcomes in Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

The rising clinical importance of assessing frailty is driven by its predictive capability for postoperative outcomes. This study assesses RAI-rev (Risk Analysis Index) effectiveness in predicting adverse outcomes in lower extremity (LE) flap reconstruction. Analyzing NSQIP data from 2015-2020, we compared demographics, perioperative factors, and 30-day outcomes in all locoregional and free flap cases. Frailty scores, calculated using RAI-rev, were categorized with <15 as non-frail and >35 as the most frail. Adjusted odds-ratios (aOR) for specific complications were calculated using non-frail as the reference group. Frailty scores in locoregional flaps were compared to those in free flaps. We identified 270 locoregional and 107 free flap cases. Higher RAI-rev scores in locoregional flaps correlated with increased complications, such as deep surgical site infection (1% non-frail vs. 20% RAI 31-35), stroke (0% non-frail vs. 17% most-frail), and mortality (0% non-frail vs. 17% most-frail). Locoregional flap cases with RAI-rev scores in the most-frail group had a significantly elevated aOR for stroke (51.0, 95% CI: 1.8-1402.5, p=0.02), mortality (43.1, 95% CI: 1.6-1167.6, p=0.03), and any complication (6.8, 95% CI: 1.2-37.4, p=0.03). In free flap cases, higher RAI-rev scores were associated with increased complications, with only sepsis showing a statistically significant difference (6% non-frail vs. 100% most-frail; aOR 42.3, CI: 1.45 - 1245.3, p=0.03). Free flap cases had a significantly lower RAI-rev score compared to locoregional flap cases (14.91 vs. 17.64, p=0.01). Elevated RAI-rev scores (>35) correlated with more complications in locoregional flaps, while free flap reconstruction patients had generally low RAI-rev scores. This suggests that free flaps are less commonly recommended for presumed higher-risk patients. The study demonstrates that RAI-rev may be able to serve as a risk calculator in lower extremity reconstruction, aiding in the assessment of candidates for limb salvage versus amputation.

Positive Trends in Racial Disparities for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery.

To evaluate national trends in racial disparities for patients undergoing head and neck reconstructive surgery. Retrospective analysis using the 2008 to 2021 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients receiving microvascular free tissue transfer were eligible for inclusion. Pediatric patients and those treated by non-otolaryngologists were excluded. Outcomes were analyzed with univariate and multivariable models. A total of 5831 head and neck free flap cases were analyzed, 4869 (83.5%) were White, 560 (9.6%) were Black or African American, and 402 (6.9%) were Asian, Native American, or other groups (ANAOG). The proportion of Black or African American patients and ANAOG patients undergoing free tissue transfer increased significantly over the time period (p = 0.047 and p = 0.010, respectively). However, there was a downtrend that started around 2017. In a multivariable model, Black or African American race was not associated with readmission (OR = 0.99 [95% CI 0.74, 1.31], p > 0.05), returning to the operating room (OR = 1.20 [95% CI 0.96, 1.49], p > 0.05), or any post-operative complication (OR = 0.83 [95% CI 0.68, 1.01], p > 0.05). There were also no significant associations found in the ANAOG population on multivariate analysis (p > 0.05 for all). The percentage of free tissue transfer performed in patients from minority backgrounds with head and neck cancer has been increasing in the United States. Outcomes after head and neck microvascular reconstruction are similar when stratified by race. However, racial disparities remain and further work is necessary to reduce these disparities. Level IV Laryngoscope, 2024.

The importance of ward-based education in the postoperative assessment of free flaps

Background: Despite the theoretical and practical advantages of adjunct-based free flap failure detection, the introduction of ultrasonographic techniques has not changed free flap failures rates and their use remains secondary to clinical assessment. Our study aims to develop an educational framework to improve the confidence of nursing staff caring for free flaps, with an emphasis on early detection of flap failure, thereby improving postoperative outcomes. Methods: Nursing staff in intensive care units and surgical wards caring for free flaps completed standardised questionnaires either before or after an educational seminar detailing clinical and Doppler assessment of free flaps. Differences between cohorts were summarised descriptively with frequencies and percentages. Overall confidence scores for pre-education and post-education cohorts were compared. Results: Overall, 173 responses were collected. Most staff were from intensive care units (n = 114) and almost one-third completed surveys following the educational intervention (n = 51). Microsurgical ward staff had more experience in the postoperative care of free flaps than intensive care unit staff (29% vs 18% had experience caring for &gt; 50 free flap cases). Confidence in assessing a free flap by clinical, implantable Doppler or external Doppler ultrasound was universally increased among ward staff compared to intensive care unit staff (p ≤ 0.007). Altogether, 51 per cent of intensive care unit staff had never identified a failing flap compared with 35 per cent of ward staff. Education increased confidence in managing and escalating failing flaps unanimously. Most failing flaps were identified by clinical assessment alone or combined with adjunct-based methods (94%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the provision of targeted education for nursing staff, both in intensive care units and on surgical wards, is useful for increasing confidence in the clinical assessment and early detection of free flap compromise. Increased confidence and improved clinical assessment may allow for early intervention and improved salvage rates for a threatened free flap, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Posterior perforator tibial artery flaps for soft tissue defects of limbs: a retrospective cohort study.

To investigate the clinical effect of posterior perforator tibial artery flaps on repairing soft tissue defects of limbs. From June 2012 to June 2021, 14 cases of soft tissue defects of limbs were repaired with pedicled or free flaps of posterior perforator tibial artery. Among them, there were 9 cases of pedicled flaps and 5 cases of free flaps. The donor sites were closed directly or covered with skin grafting. The defects area varied from 3 × 5cm to 7 × 16cm. All cases were followed up for 1year to 2years. All flaps survived completely except 3 cases with distal end necrosis and the 3 cases healed after dressing change. There were not any other complications at both donor and recipient sites. Appearance of the recipient sites was close to the surrounding skin. All patients were satisfied with the results. Posterior perforator tibial artery flaps have the advantages of relatively simple technique, few damage, few complications and satisfying appearance. It is a good choice for soft tissue defects of limbs.

Poor condyle position after mandibular reconstruction and a classification system for patients with "VSCU" based on computed tomography: a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection.

Although the application of vascularized free bone muscle flap to reconstruct the mandible has become a standardized approach for mandible reconstruction, the results of its reconstruction are not always satisfactory. The purpose of this study was to identify the types of mandibular and condylar defects by analyzing the unsatisfactory cases of mandibular reconstruction in clinical practice, and to provide some clinical experience of reconstruction. Our study retrospectively analyzed 364 patients who underwent mandibular resection and vascularized free bone flap reconstruction of the mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We innovatively proposed a "VSCU" classification system (V: vertical position, S: sagittal position, C: coronal position, U: condylar resection is not required) by analyzing computed tomography (CT) scans of mandibular branches and TMJs. In all, 221 cases of free iliac muscle flap and 143 cases of fibula muscle flap were included in this study, of which 23 cases had unsatisfactory results after TMJ reconstruction. We classified 23 patients with unsatisfactory mandibular reconstruction according to the "VSCU" classification system. The most common type was U + V + SfC (n=8), followed by V - SfC + U + (n=4), V - s + C + U + (n=3), V - sbcou - (n=3), V - SBC + U + (n=2), V - s + C + U - (n=1). The most common classification was insufficient mandibular rami length, followed by condylar sagittal anteriorization. There was no significant change in the position of condyle on the healthy side during mandibular reconstruction involving condyle. P1 on the affected side was 52.28±4.17 mm before operation and 58.94±5.65 mm after operation, P<0.01; P2 was 12.83±3.49 mm before operation and 24.90±7.15 mm after operation. S2 was 4.54±2.84 mm before operation and 19.10±8.54 mm after operation. A2 was 11.46±3.35 mm before operation and 24.15±8.29 mm after operation. The P values were all less than 0.01, and the differences were statistically significant. We propose to use the "VSCU" classification system for accurate 3-dimensional (3D) analysis and positioning, and then obtain accurate models through computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), which can reduce the occurrence of poor reconstruction effect and unreasonable joint position, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Consecutive Microsurgical Cases Performed by Single Surgeon at a Canadian Tertiary Care Center: A Retrospective Review

Background: The practice of a microsurgeon evolves over time with experience, changes in clinical interest, and practice setting. Previous reports suggest that complication rates may be influenced by years of practice. The aim of this study was to analyze consecutive microsurgical cases performed by a single surgeon during the first half of their career in a broad microsurgical practice at a Canadian academic tertiary care center. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all free tissue transfers between 2007 and 2020 completed by a single academic plastic surgeon was performed. The primary outcomes were the odds of postoperative complications and free flap failure. The secondary outcomes included the annual number and type of free flap cases over time. Results: The surgeon performed 795 free flaps on 537 patients. There were a total of 131 postoperative complications. There was no statistically significant association between the years in practice and odds of a complication. Overall, there were 26 flap failures, yielding a 96.7% success rate. There was no association between flap failure and years in practice. The most common type of reconstruction was breast, followed by lower extremity and head and neck. There was a significant change in the type of reconstruction cases over time ( P &lt; 0.005). Conclusion: The type and volume of free flap reconstruction conducted by the surgeon has changed over time. In this single surgeon career, surgical experience did not have a significant impact on free flap complications. At our center, free tissue transfer remains a valuable tool for reconstruction in both low and high-risk patients.

A retrospective study on application of fibula/iliac flap surgical techniques to mandibular defects

This study group consists of a total of 61 patients who underwent fibula flap and iliac flap surgeries to repair mandibular defects. Patients’ Quality Of life (QOL) at 6 and 24 months after surgery is investigated and compared by the EORTC-QLQ-H&N and OHIP-14. The base data of the two groups of patients are collected and analysed by the SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Independent sample t test was conducted for EORTC-QLQ-H&N and OHIP-14 scores at two time points in each group. The 61 cases of free flap all survived and the difference in the location of the primary tumor between the two groups is statistically significant. The EORTC-QLQ-H&N showed that the score of speech, diet, social contact, and teeth all went up at 6 months after surgery, but went down dramatically at 24 months after surgery. The OHIP-14 showed that there was significant reduction in functional limitation at 24 months after surgery, with statistical significance (p < 0.05) between the groups of iliac flap (19.16 ± 5.33) and fibula flap (33.77 ± 7.71). Therefore, it is suggested that patients suffering from mandibular defects receive surgery utilizing the iliac flap, while those with a larger range of defects or lesions involving the condyle and chin should receive corrective surgery utilizing the fibular flap.

Place actuelle du lambeau de grand dorsal en traumatologie : analyse de l’activité d’un service de chirurgie plastique en hôpital militaire

Reconstructive surgery's workhorse, the latissimus dorsi flap is increasingly abandoned in favour of fasciocutaneous flaps. The purpose of this study was to analyse the methods used to perform this flap and the evolution of its indications in order to define its current place in traumatology. Forty-four cases were recorded retrospectively from January 2000 to December 2020 at HIA Percy, including 37 cases of free flaps, mainly performed for reconstruction of extensive loss of substance with bone and/or joint exposure. It was also performed in 10.8% of cases for salvage after failure of an alternative reconstruction solution. This analysis confirms the value of the latissimus dorsi flap in cases of significant substance loss in the lower limb, but also in burn patients for functional rehabilitation or to allow early rehabilitation.

Virtual Surgical Planning and Three-Dimensional Printing for Reconstruction of Mandibular Defect by Fibula Free Flap: A Case Report

Reconstruction using osteocutaneous fibular free flap after radical resection of oral cancer with mandibular invasion and segmental mandibulectomy is the gold standard of treatment. Recent technological advances have made virtual surgical planning and threedimensional printing incorporating computer-aided design and computer-aided modeling possible, thereby shortening the ischemic time of free flap and enabling more sophisticated reconstruction. We report a successful case of osteocutaneous fibular free flap using this technique.

Contemporary Marking Technique of End-to-Side Venous Anastomosis with Internal Jugular Vein in Head and Neck Free Flap Cases: An Experience of 200 Cases.

Microvascular free tissue transfer is a popular option for reconstruction of the head and neck defects following tumor ablation. Many factors are involved in the achievement of a satisfactory outcome, namely, adequate selection of the donor flap and recipient vessels, proficient anastomosis technique and postoperative care including flap monitoring. Preferential use of end-to-side anastomosis to the internal jugular vein in head and neck reconstruction offers various advantages and has consistently yielded outstanding results. Presented is a series of 200 consecutive cases at one institution over 1year. In our institution, the internal jugular vein (IJV) has had the first priority in the selection of a recipient vein in free-flap head and neck reconstruction. An end-to-side anastomosis with the internal jugular vein has several advantages. We have devised a simple technique of marking the point of anastomosis with a needle prick at two points taking the diameter of pedicle vein to aid in identification of point of anastomosis. This method is very reliable to ascertain the suitable lie of the pedicle vein. The diameter of the lumen for anastomosis is maintained. We had a success rate of 100% with all the cases we applied this technique on.

Continuous Monitoring of Buried Free Bone Flap Microcirculation Using a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy System.

Postoperative evaluation of free flaps remains a challenging task. The current accepted standard for diagnosis of vascular compromise remains clinical observation. In recent years, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been widely used as a noninvasive objective monitoring tool for postoperative evaluation of soft-tissue flaps. However, methods for monitoring bone flaps remain inadequate. In this study, NIRS was applied for the first time to monitor free buried bone flaps that were used for mandibular reconstruction. The penetrating property of NIRS was used to measure the tissue oxygenation index (TOI) of deep tissues, which reflected the microcirculatory status of the tissues. Changes in TOI values were monitored continuously in 59 cases of free bone flaps up to 72 hours after surgery. Five cases of vascular compromise were noted by clinical observation. Two fibula flaps were total failures, one of which showed a sharp decrease in TOI value to 45% in a short period of time; the other showed a continual gradual decrease to 55%. The observed sudden (<50%) and continuous (>10%) decreases in TOI values suggest that more attention should be paid to revision surgical procedures. The authors conclude that NIRS holds promise as an objective and valid method for clinical evaluation of buried bone flaps.

Vascularized osseous flaps for head and neck reconstruction: Comparative analysis focused on complications and salvage options

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of fibular (FFF group) and scapular (SFF group) osseous free flaps for reconstructing head and neck defects for primary surgery and salvage options. MethodsWe analyzed 156 cases of osseous free flaps in 138 patients from a retrospective review of a single institutional database between January 1996 and January 2020 (FFF, 114 cases in 99 patients; SFF, 42 cases in 39 patients). Clinical profiles such as age, sex, primary tumor site, and defect type were investigated in the two groups. In addition, the incidences and types of perioperative complications, flap compromise, and salvage management were compared between the two groups. ResultsFFF was used mostly for oromandibular defects, whereas SFF was preferred for maxillary defect reconstruction. The length of hospital stay was longer in the FFF group than in the SFF group. The flap compromise rate was not significantly different between the two groups; however, donor-site complications were not observed in the SFF group as compared to 7.9% in the FFF group. A regional or free (musculo) cutaneous flap was used as a salvage procedure in partial flap compromise. Contralateral SFF was available to replace a completely compromised SFF, whereas it was not feasible in a completely compromised FFF. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed no significant prognostic factors for flap-related complications. ConclusionThe two osseous free flaps showed differences in defect type, flap donor complications, and options for compromised flap salvage. These findings must be considered carefully in the preoperative planning stage to guarantee early recovery and timely administration of postoperative adjuvant treatment if necessary.

A case of an ischemic bulky free flap contributing to severe postoperative lactic acidosis following major head and neck reconstructive surgery

A case of an ischemic bulky free flap contributing to severe postoperative lactic acidosis following major head and neck reconstructive surgery

Reconstruction options in recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans:A scoping review.

This review will outline the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and emphasizes multidisciplinary role of nurses, plastic surgeons and radiation oncologist in this recurrent metastatic lesion. It pinpoints affected population at risk, clinical features, and reconstruction options. No analytical research has been done in this area. A scoping review of patients of DFSP who underwent reconstruction after excision of tumors was performed in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, AIIMS Rishikesh. It used a five framework approach. A review of 85 similar cases reported in the literature have been scrutinized in relation to the reconstruction options, sites of the tumor, margins of excision and recurrence. 85 full length English studies were included out of the 445 cases found in Pubmed and related search engines to reveal various reconstructive options in reconstruction of DFSP defects. Present scoping review identifies free anterolateral thigh flap to be useful in 7 review articles followed by propeller flaps in 3 isolated case reports. 2 cases of free latissimus dorsi flap were used for reconstruction of abdominal defects. All patients should undergo a strict screening protocol where the health personnel can play a crucial role by educating parents on the follow up and report new lesions as early as possible. All operated tumor patients can be given safety tips and education on care and risks after reconstruction with skin flaps or skin grafting. A multidisciplinary approach between the surgeon, nurse and radiation oncologist is needed for effective management of these lesions.

Nanobiomaterials in the Repair and Reconstruction of Ankle Trauma Skin Flap Surgical Infection Clinical Research Study

This paper discusses the value and surgical techniques of applying nano-silver combined skin flaps to repair large-area soft tissue defects in the calves and ankles. From January 2016 to December 2020, combined skin flap transplantation was used to treat 36 patients with large-area soft tissue defects in the calf and ankle, and nano-silver was used for wound wet compress. The study found 3 cases of vascular crisis in this group, and vascular exploration was carried out. After the arterial crisis was relieved, 1 case of free flap survived, 1 case of free flap edge necrosis, wound healing after dressing change, and 1 case of vein Partial necrosis of the free skin flap after embolization exploration. The remaining 33 patients with transplanted tissues all survived, and the wounds were repaired in one stage. The total success rate was 97.2% (35/36). The postoperative follow-up was 4 to 36 months, with an average of 16 months. The flap was soft and good in appearance, and the function of the affected limb and ankle was recovered satisfactorily. For this reason, we can conclude that the use of different forms of combined skin flap transplantation provides a feasible and effective technical method for the repair of large-area soft tissue defects in the calf and ankle. The nano-silver coating on the wound can effectively reduce the disability rate. Restore limb function.

P121. THE USE OF FLOW-THROUGH FREE FLAPS FOR HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION

PURPOSE: Reconstructive obstacles in composite head and neck defects are compounded in re-operated, irradiated, and vessel-depleted surgical fields. In cases that require multiple free flaps, recipient vessel availability and inset logistics become challenging. Strategic flow-through flap configurations mitigate these issues by providing a built-in option for inflow to a second flap. This approach permits use of one native recipient vessel, increased reach of the inflow vessels, and greater flexibility to configure soft tissue and bony flap inset. METHODS: 38 head and neck free flap cases were reviewed from an academic hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, taking place between March 2019 - April 2021. Nine cases utilized flow-through free flaps for reconstruction. RESULTS: Seven oncologic and two traumatic patients (N=9) received multiple flaps arranged in flow-through configuration (ALT: 78%; Fibula: 78%; DCIA: 22%; Peroneal Artery Perforator: 11%; MSAP: 11%) for reconstruction. Configurations involved ALT -> Fibula (56%), ALT -> DCIA (22%), Fibula -> Peroneal artery perforator (11%), Fibula -> MSAP (11%). Recipient vessels included facial (78%), transverse cervical (11%), and occipital (11%) arteries. No flap failures occurred, though complications included infection (22%), dehiscence (44%), hematoma (22%), thrombosis (11%), and others (33%). CONCLUSIONS: In head and neck reconstruction, the use of the flow-through principle enables uninterrupted vascular flow for two distinct free flaps in single stage reconstruction for patients with vessel-depleted, irradiated, and re-operated fields.

Evaluation of Complication Rates of Free Flap Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients.

Introduction:While there is extensive literature investigating surgical outcomes in free flaps for adults, there is a dearth of information on the efficacy of flap use in the pediatric population. This study is the first to measure complication rates following pediatric free flap reconstruction on a national level.Methods:All pediatric free flap cases between 2012 and 2018 were identified and stratified by type of flap using current procedural terminology codes assigned to the primary procedure in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Each entry included the recipient location of the flap, postoperative complications, and demographics. Chi-square analysis was used to compare complication rates across various flap groupings. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify independent predictors of flap complications or failure.Results:Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that compared to bone flaps, there is increased risk of nonbleeding complications in skin (Odds Ratio (OR) =7.7, P = 0.029), muscle (OR = 10.6, P = 0.012), and osteocutaneous flaps (OR = 10.8, P = 0.018). Flap of the trunk (OR = 40.9, P = 0.003) and upper extremities (OR = 32.9, P = 0.041) had a higher odds of bleeding complications compared to head-and-neck flaps. Regression analysis also showed that older age is associated with bleeding complications, with patients aged 5–11 years (OR = 38.5, P = 0.027) and 12–17 years (OR = 30.6, P = 0.038) having greater rates compared to patients under the age of 2. The pediatric flap reoperation rate was found to be 3.6%–4.7%, with the highest flap anastomotic complication rate in the head-and-neck region (6.9%–8.0%).Conclusion:Free flap reconstruction across flap type, anatomic location, and age ranges are safe and efficacious in the pediatric population.

Rotational Thromboelastometry Derivative Fibrinogen-Platelet Ratio Predicts Thrombosis in Microsurgery.

Early detection of thrombotic events is of paramount importance for microsurgical procedures. Here, we present findings that underscore the value of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to aid in decision-making for pre- and postoperative anticoagulation, as well for patients with suspected hypercoagulability. We prospectively collected pre- and postoperative ROTEM values on all free flap cases at the University of California, San Francisco, from 2015 to 2016. Patient age, body mass index, comorbidities, operative reports, risk factors, thrombotic complications, and outcomes were collected from electronic medical records. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare ROTEM values between cohorts. Modeling for sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy was done for threshold fibrinogen-to-platelet ratio (FPR). Of 52 patients who underwent free-tissue transfer, 15 had a thrombotic event either intraoperatively or postoperatively that required revision of the vascular anastomosis. Eight patients were clinically hypercoagulable preoperatively, seven of which had a thrombotic event. Several pre- and postoperative ROTEM values differed significantly between thrombotic and nonthrombotic cases. Preoperative (p = 0.027) and postoperative (p = 0.013) FPR were statistically significant when comparing the thrombotic to the nonthrombotic cohort. Threshold FPR ≥ 30 was the most sensitive and FPR ≥ 40 was the most specific. Our study affirms other studies that established ROTEM as an effective predictive tool for thrombotic events during free-tissue transfer. However, a lower threshold for FPR improves catchment of thrombotic events and flap failure with acceptable sensitivity. Our results support the routine use of ROTEM for detecting hypercoagulability in patients who would potentially benefit from intervention to prevent thrombotic complications.

Increased salvage rates with early reexploration: A retrospective analysis of 547 free flap cases

Free flap complications are generally rare, but not negligible since they may exert paramount impact on both patients and care providers. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for reexploration and assess predictors associated with increased salvage rates. A retrospective cohort study was conducted for free flaps performed between 2006 and 2015. Patient demographics, indications and flap types were analyzed together with complications and time to reexploration. Among 547 consecutive free flaps, 11.5% required acute reexploration. Hematoma together with vascular compromise was the main cause (41.9%) for reexploration, followed by hematoma only (19.4%), venous (16.1%) and arterial (6.5%) thrombosis. Hematoma was associated with an increased risk forconcomitant vascular complication (p < 0.02). The incidence of total and partial flap necrosis was 3.5% and 3.7% respectively. There was an overall 71.4% salvage rate. The median time from detection of a compromised flap to reexploration was 3.0h. Significantly higher salvage rates were observed for cases reexplored within (82.4%) compared to after (57.1%) 3.0h (OR 3.50 (95% CI 1.10 to 11.13, p = 0.034)). The current studyhighlights the importance of early intervention, including evacuation of hematomas that may lead to vascular compromise.Adequate monitoring of venous outflow was found necessary to improve flap salvage rates, whereas arterial complications were mainly related to persistent arterialinjury intraumatized extremities with reduced salvage rates. Free flap surgery requires trained staff and immediate access to operating facilities to ensure high flap survival rates.

Risk Factors for and Cost Implications of Free Flap Take-backs: A Single Institution Review.

For patients undergoing microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT), we evaluated risk factors and financial implications of operating room (OR) take-back procedures. Retrospective review at a tertiary care center. Patients who underwent MFTT for head and neck reconstruction from 2011 to 2018 were identified. We compared hospital length of stay and overall costs associated with OR take-back procedures. Multivariable regression analysis evaluated factors associated with OR take-backs during the same hospitalization. A total of 727 free flaps were reviewed, and 70 OR take-backs (9.6%) were identified. Mean total length of stay (LOS) in the ICU was 3.4 days versus 6.7 days for non-take-back and take-back flaps, respectively (P < .001). Mean total LOS on the regular floor was 6.3 days versus 13.1 days, respectively (P < .001). This resulted in a cost differential of $33,507 (94.3% increase relative to non-take-back flaps). The total cost associated with an OR take-back was $39,786. Hematomas were the most common cause of take-backs and wound dehiscence was associated with the highest costs. On multivariable analysis, higher ASA class (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.11-3.99; P = .026) and shorter ischemia times (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.95; P = .030) were independently associated with increased risk of take-backs. OR take-backs infrequently occur but are associated with a significant increase in financial burden when compared to free flap cases not requiring OR take-back. The large majority of the cost differential lies in a substantial increase of ICU and floor LOS for take-back flaps when compared to non-take-back flaps. 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1821-E1829, 2021.