Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer Research Articles

Systematic review of microvascular coupling devices for arterial anastomoses in free tissue transfer.

BackgroundCoupling devices have become commonplace in performing venous anastomoses during microvascular free tissue transfer (FTT). However, arterial anastomoses are still most commonly performed using traditional microvascular suture techniques.ObjectiveTo describe the safety and feasibility of using microvascular coupling devices for free flap arterial anastomosis.MethodsA systematic review of English language literature was performed for studies that investigated the use of an arterial coupler for microvascular FTT in human patients. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (January 1948 to August 2018), EMBASE (January 1974 to August 2018), and Web of Science was performed.ResultsFifteen studies were included. All studies were retrospective case series. A combined total of 395 arterial anastomoses were attempted with a coupling device. All studies except for one used the 3M Unilink/Synovis coupling device. One study used a novel absorbable coupling device. The coupling device was aborted and converted to a suture technique in 8.4% of attempted anastomoses. Rupture of the anastomotic device was reported in only 1 patient (0.3%). Thrombosis was also infrequent at 1.9%. The quality assessment showed a high risk of bias in all studies.ConclusionIn selected patients, coupling devices for arterial anastomoses have a good success rate with low rates of thrombosis based on limited quality evidence.

Vasodilation by Verapamil-Nitroglycerin Solution in Microvascular Surgery.

Papaverine is a topical vasodilator commonly used during microvascular surgery to inhibit undesired vasoconstriction. A previous national shortage of papaverine prompted evaluation of an alternative, effective vasodilator. This study aims to assess the experience of a solution of verapamil and nitroglycerin (VG) as a potential alternative pharmacologic vasodilator. Retrospective case series. Two tertiary academic medical centers. Among 298 patients, 306 consecutive free tissue transfers performed between 2014 and 2017 for head and neck defect reconstruction utilized a VG solution. Patient and flap characteristics, intraoperative patient and flap complications, and postoperative complications were reviewed. Diameter of the cervical recipient artery was measured intraoperatively before and after topical application of the VG solution in a subset of 43 patients (44 flaps). Flaps included fibula, radial forearm, subscapular system, and anterolateral thigh. In total, 3 (0.98%) flaps failed with varied etiology unrelated to the VG solution (venous thrombosis, arterial anastomosis thrombosis, physical damage to the perforator). Specific to topical application of the VG solution, the mean recipient artery diameter increased from 2.1 to 3.1 mm, a 48% increase (P < .01). There were no intraoperative cardiac events or complications attributable to the VG solution. We describe the use of a VG solution for pharmacologic vasodilation during microvascular free tissue transfer. Its use was associated with an acceptable incidence of adverse events, none of which were directly attributable to the VG solution. Apparent and sustained vasodilation was demonstrated. The VG solution represents a safe and efficacious alternative to papaverine in microvascular surgery.

Thermal imaging for microvascular free tissue transfer monitoring: Feasibility study using a low cost, commercially available mobile phone imaging system.

The use of infrared thermography to evaluate the perfusion of tissue flaps have been studied. This study aims to evaluate the utility of thermal imaging for flap monitoring with a low-cost, readily available smartphone imaging device. Adult subjects who underwent head and neck reconstruction using a microvascular free flap with a cutaneous paddle were recruited. Thermal images were taken of the free flap before, during and after anastomosis. Thermal images were analyzed by measuring the average flap temperature minus the average surrounding tissue temperature (dT). Twenty-one patients were enrolled. The mean dT for flaps intraoperatively prior to anastomosis was -11.47 °F. For 20 patients, dT averaged between -0.30 to 0.12 °F. One flap was inadequately perfused and dT was found to be -4.35 °F. Low cost, mobile smartphone devices such as the thermal camera may provide an objective method of monitoring microvascular free flaps. 2 Prospective Cohort Study.

Nursing Monitoring of Microsurgical Free Flaps: Identifying and Addressing Knowledge Gaps.

Microsurgical free flaps require careful monitoring to detect early signs of compromise. At many hospitals, nursing staff provides the majority of postoperative monitoring of free flap patients and it lies within their responsibility to alert physicians of a failing free flap. The aim of this study is to identify knowledge gaps in the monitoring of microvascular free tissue transfer in both novice and experienced nurses and to provide appropriate education to address these gaps. This was a pre- and postintervention study. An initial pilot survey was administered to identify knowledge deficiencies. A nursing educational session on free flap physiology and monitoring was then designed to address these deficiencies. An 18-question multiple choice quiz was administered before and after the educational session. Pre- and post-test scores were compared based on nursing experience. At 6 months, the participating nurses completed a survey rating their confidence with free flap patient care as a result of the educational session. A total of 72 nurses completed the in-service training course and quiz. The average quiz score increased from 61.9 to 89.3% after the in-service (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between precurriculum test scores and nursing experience as referenced by total number of years in the profession (r s = -0.038, p = 0.754). The follow-up survey showed that prior to the course 38% of respondents reported little or no confidence caring for free flap patients, decreasing to 6% after the course (p < 0.05). Based on the results of this study, nursing knowledge of capillary refill, venous congestion, and basic microsurgical free flap physiology is inadequate. With implementation of a teaching in-service curriculum highlighting these key areas of deficiencies, nurses improved both their understanding and confidence levels, regardless of their level of experience.

Free flap donor site during early review consultations: is it really an issue?

Donor site complications, following microvascular free tissue transfer, can limit recovery in patients treated for head and neck cancer, with a curative intent. The Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI-HN) is a prompt list that provides patients with repeated opportunities to raise issues they feel are important and want to discuss. Here, we look at baseline results from a cluster preference randomised control trial with consultants either "using" or "not using" the PCI package in clinic to identify patient concerns. UWQOL results were presented from 67 consecutive patients having reconstruction with free tissue transfer and PCI results from 25 of these patients in the PCI arm of the trial. During early review consultations patients most wanted to discuss issues related to dental health, dry mouth, and chewing. Donor site morbidity, in our patient sample, did not appear to be an issue that patients wanted to discuss.

Microvascular free flap coverage for salvage of the infected total knee arthroplasty

The integrity of the soft tissue envelope is crucial for successful treatment of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of limb salvage, infection control, and clinical function following microvascular free flap coverage for salvage of the infected TKA. We retrospectively reviewed 23 microvascular free tissue transfers for management of soft tissue defects in infected TKA. There were 16 men and seven women with a mean age of 61.2 years (39 to 81). The median number of procedures performed prior to soft tissue coverage was five (2 to 9) and all patients had failed at least one two-stage reimplantation procedure. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Knee Society Scoring system for pain and function. In all, one patient was lost to follow-up prior to 12 months. The remaining 22 patients were followed for a mean of 46 months (12 to 92). At latest follow-up, four patients (18%) had undergone amputation for failure of treatment and persistent infection. For the other 18 patients, 11 patients (50%) had maintained a knee prosthesis in place while seven patients had undergone resections for persistent infection but retained their limbs (32%). Reoperations were common following coverage and reimplantation. The median number of additional procedures was two (0 to 6). Clinical function was poor in patients who underwent reimplantation and retained a knee prosthesis following free flap coverage with a mean KSS score for pain and function of 44 (0 to 70) and 30 (0 to 65), respectively. All patients required an assistive device. Extensor mechanism problems and extensor lag requiring bracing were common following limb salvage and prosthesis reimplantation. Microvascular tissue transfer for management of infected TKA can be successful in limb salvage (82%) but clinical outcomes in salvaged limbs were poor. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):176-180.

Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Primary Functional Reconstruction of Complex, Composite Near Total Hemi Facial Post Excision Defects.

Microvascular free tissue transfer has revolutionized the management of complex composite head and neck defects. To evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes in the primary reconstruction of post-excisional near total hemifacial defects with the chimeric anterolateral thigh flaps (cALT). The author as a prelude to this clinical study has done a cadaveric study on the quadriceps artery angiosome. In this retrospective cohort study, data are collected from the records of 6 patients who had undergone primary cALT flap reconstruction for their post excisional near total hemifacial defects from January 2013 to December 2017. All 6 patients with various advanced malignancies involving the hemiface underwent wide local excision. Wide local excision resulted in the loss of skin and critical facial muscles that led to near total hemiface composite defects. Reconstructions were done with the cALT flaps that included segment of the vastus lateralis muscle harvested on its independent neurovascular perforator pedicle and the skin paddle on a separate perforator. In all cases, the facial nerve stumps were anastomosed to the nerve to vastus lateralis for reanimation of the face. In addition, 4 patients underwent primary radical neck dissection, but all had postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. All patients attained well-pronounced nasolabial fold, symmetrical smile, and good oral competence in an average period of 10.75 months post operatively. In an average of 22 months follow up, none of them had locoregional recurrences. None required any secondary procedures. In the post excisional near total hemifacial composite defects, primary functional reconstruction with tailored cALT flaps can bring good aesthetic and functional results.

Age Is Associated With Pain Experience and Opioid Use After Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

To describe pain experience and opioid use after major head and neck reconstructive surgery. Retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing major head and neck surgery with microvascular free tissue transfer (free flaps) at a tertiary academic center were included. Pain scores (0-10) and demographic and clinical data were ascertained from medical records. Discharge opioid prescriptions and refills obtained within 30 days were recorded. Patient characteristics were compared with pain scores using nonparametric rank-sum tests and with likelihood of refill using logistic regression models to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study population comprised 445 patients. Median age was 60 years (interquartile range 50-68). Most patients had cancer (N = 350, 78%). The majority of free flaps were fibula (N = 153, 34%) or radial forearm (N = 159, 36%). Older patients reported significantly lower pain scores, whereas patients with opioid tolerance, anxiety, current smokers, and those undergoing larger volume resections or boney free flaps reported significantly higher pain scores. One-quarter (N = 115, 26%) of patients obtained opioid refills. Patients aged ≥ 60 years had one-half the odds of obtaining a refill compared with patients aged < 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.33-0.84), whereas surgical defect volume ≥ 100 cm3 (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.21-3.07) and higher pain score (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.07-1.32 per 1 point increase) increased the odds of refill. Continued opioid use after discharge is common among patients undergoing major head and neck reconstruction, particularly for younger patients and after more extensive surgery. Older patients reported lower pain intensity and were less likely to obtain opioid refills, highlighting the wisdom of judicious opioid use for this vulnerable population. IV Laryngoscope, 130: E469-E478, 2020.

Abstract 181: The Regenerative Effects Of Reconstruction: An Analysis Of Cutaneous Gene Expression Changes In Irradiated Breast Reconstruction Patients

Purpose: The detrimental effects of radiation therapy on the skin and underlying tissues of breast cancer patients are well documented. While acute changes resolve with time, the overall quality of the skin is forever altered. Breast reconstruction in the context of radiation therapy has been shown to have higher rates of complications and failure, as well as unfavorable aesthetic outcomes. While the adverse effects of radiation are well known, the molecular mechanisms and genetic changes of radiation-induced skin injury are not yet described. Additionally, while there is often clinical improvement in the quality of irradiated tissue with the use of certain reconstructive techniques, the genetic alterations underlying these phenotypic changes are unknown. We utilized RNA Sequencing technology to analyze gene expression profiles of irradiated and non-irradiated breast skin to identify the major pathways that are affected by radiation therapy. Additionally, we used this technology to determine the genetic impact of commonly performed reconstructive breast procedures on these identified dysregulated pathways. Methods: Full thickness skin samples were collected from irradiated and non-irradiated breast cancer patients at the time of mastectomy and either autologous or alloplastic reconstruction. Cases performed in either delayed or immediate fashion were included. Additional samples were collected 3-6 months later at the time of secondary revision. Samples from patients undergoing non-oncologic breast surgery or prophylactic mastectomy were included as controls. Internal control samples were collected when symmetry procedures were performed. All samples were analyzed using RNA-Seq to determine the cellular transcriptome for irradiated versus non-irradiated breast skin, both before and after reconstruction. Gene expression was then analyzed via hierarchical clustering to determine the biologic pathways that were altered by radiation and reconstruction. Results: Gene expression profiles of 50 patients were analyzed. Irradiated samples were shown to have distinct profiles from non-irradiated and control samples. Genomic analysis demonstrated multiple dysregulated biologic pathways in irradiated tissue. In irradiated patients who underwent autologous reconstruction, a number of these dysregulated genetic pathways were reversed to near-normal levels post-reconstruction. This regenerative phenomenon was less clear in the alloplastic reconstruction group. Conclusion: We utilized gene expression profiling to identify biologic pathways that are altered by radiation therapy and demonstrated that autologous reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfer may restore these dysregulated pathways to resemble non-irradiated, control tissue. We have identified future targets for primary inhibition or pharmacologic rescue of radiation-induced tissue changes. Presently, plastic surgeons can use these findings to tailor reconstructive efforts in irradiated patients to reverse these detrimental phenotypic changes and improve overall reconstructive outcomes.

The influence of age and comorbidities on the outcomes of surgical treatment with free tissue transfer: a retrospective study.

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Microvascular free tissue transfer enables the reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. The aim of the study was to assess the results of treatment of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery and to identify factors affecting these results, with particular reference to patient's age. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; All patients who underwent free-flap head and neck reconstruction in our institution between 2010 and 2017 were included in this retrospective study. A series of 66 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into 2 age groups: group G1 aged &lt;65 years (n = 41) and group G2 aged ≥65 years (n = 25). Minor local complications and general complications as well as comorbidities were analyzed. &lt;br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; No correlation was found between advanced age and the risk of free flap failure as well as the incidence of local minor complications. General complications were more frequent in the G2 group (32%) than in the G1 group (19.5%), although this is not a statistically significant difference. A statistically significant difference was found between the age and the patient's health status according to ASA (P = 0.010). In the younger low-risk group, 12 patients (29.3%) had general and local complications, while in the older low-risk group only 1 (4%). General and local complications were found in 5 (12.2%) high-risk G1 patients and in 7 (28%) high-risk G2 patients. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusion(s):&lt;/b&gt; Patients with advanced head and neck malignant tumors should undergo reconstructive microsurgery regardless of age.

Breast Reconstruction in Obese Patients: The Fat Grafted Latissimus versus Abdominal Free Tissue Transfer.

Background:Immediate fat grafting to the pedicled myocutaneous latissimus dorsi (LD) flap has recently gained in popularity as a means to supplement volume for breast reconstruction. The aim of this study is to compare complication rates of the immediately fat-grafted LD to free tissue transfer in the obese population.Methods:In this retrospective cohort, 82 patients (149 breasts) from 2015 to 2019 were included. Patients underwent either unilateral or bilateral breast reconstruction with either LD with immediate fat grafting or abdominal-based free tissue transfer. Included patients had a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 at the time of surgery. Complication data were recorded as minor, major, and medical complications. Procedure characteristics and postoperative data were also studied.Results:Minor complication rates between the LD with immediate fat grafting and free tissue transfer cases were similar (26.9% versus 26%, respectively). The free tissue transfer group had a significantly higher rate of major complications (20.3% versus 3.8%; P = 0.048) and medical complications (10.6% versus zero). Finally, the LD with immediate fat grafting group had significantly shorter operating room times, hospital length of stay, and fewer donor-site revisions.Conclusions:LD with immediate fat grafting offers the benefit of a totally autologous reconstruction without the risks of abdominal-based microvascular free tissue transfer or an implant. Favorable complication rates, shorter operative times, and shorter hospital length of stay make this reconstructive option a safe alternative to free tissue transfer in the obese population.

Machine Learning for Predicting Complications in Head and Neck Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer.

Machine learning (ML) is a type of artificial intelligence wherein a computer learns patterns and associations between variables to correctly predict outcomes. The objectives of this study were to 1) use a ML platform to identify factors important in predicting surgical complications in patients undergoing head and neck free tissue transfer, and 2) compare ML outputs to traditionally employed logistic regression models. Retrospective cohort study. Using a dataset of 364 consecutive patients who underwent head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer at a single institution, 14 clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed using a supervised ML algorithm of ensemble decision trees to predict surgical complications. The relative importance values of each variable in the ML analysis were then compared to logistic regression models. There were 166 surgical complications, which included bleeding or hematoma in 30 patients (8.2%), fistulae in 25 patients (6.9%), and infection or dehiscence in 52 patients (14.4%). There were 59 take-backs (16.2%), and six total (1.6%) and five partial (1.4%) flap failures. ML models were able to correctly classify outcomes with an accuracy of 65% to 75%. Factors that were identified in ML analyses as most important for predicting complications included institutional experience, flap ischemia time, age, and smoking pack-years. In contrast, the significant factors most frequently identified in traditional logistic regression analyses were patient age (P = .03), flap type (P = .03), and primary site of reconstruction (P = .06). In this single-institution dataset, ML algorithms identified factors for predicting complications after free tissue transfer that were distinct from traditional regression models. 2c Laryngoscope, 2020.

Does Laterality of Lower Extremity Donor Site Affect Outcomes in Microvascular Soft Tissue Lower Extremity Reconstruction?

There are many different variables to consider in lower extremity microvascular soft tissue reconstruction including flap choice. Our aim is to objectively evaluate recipient complications related to lower extremity donor flap laterality. A total of 77 lower extremity soft tissue reconstructions utilizing microvascular free tissue transfers for Gustilo type III between 1979 and 2016 were collected. We compared complication rates between ipsilateral and contralateral donor sites relative to the injured leg. The following parameters were analyzed: overall complications, total flap failure, partial flap failure, major complications, operative takebacks, and salvage rates. In this study, 25 ipsilateral reconstructions were performed, while 52 cases utilized the contralateral leg. Overall complication rates were higher in the ipsilateral group (40.0%) compared with the contralateral side (23.1%) but were not statistically significant (p = 0.12). The ipsilateral group was four times as likely to experience vascular compromise (24.0 vs. 5.8%; p = 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in complications, flap failures or flap survival. Mean operative time was significantly greater in the same side group as compared with the contralateral group (11.3 vs. 7.5 hours; p = 0.006). Although there is a higher risk of anastomotic thrombosis, particularly venous thrombosis, associated with ipsilateral donor-site group, there were no significant differences in complications or flap survival. Flaps can be harvested from a traumatized leg with acceptable complication rates while avoiding the morbidity of operating on an uninjured limb.

The impact of a post-operative clinical care pathway on head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer outcomes.

To study the impact of a clinical care pathway and computerised order set on short-term post-operative outcomes for patients undergoing head and neck free tissue transfer. In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent head and neck free tissue transfer by a single reconstructive surgeon between January 2007 and July 2009 were assigned to one of two cohorts based on the timing of their surgery: pre- or post-clinical care pathway implementation. Measured outcomes included peri-operative complications and mortality, length of hospital stay and costs, unplanned reoperations, and readmissions within 30 days of discharge. The pre-clinical care pathway cohort included 81 patients and the post-clinical care pathway cohort comprised 46. Implementation of the clinical care pathway was associated with decreased variability in length of hospital stay (median (interquartile range) = 8 (6, 11) vs 7 (6, 9) days). The post-clinical care pathway cohort also had a significantly lower unplanned reoperation rate (15.2 vs 35.8 per cent, p = 0.01). A clinical care pathway is a successful means of standardising and improving complex patient care. In this study, care pathway implementation in head and neck free tissue transfer patients improved efficiency and the quality of patient care.

An audit of microvascular free tissue transfers for post-traumatic lower limb defects

An audit of microvascular free tissue transfers for post-traumatic lower limb defects

Thrombocytosis is associated with complications after microvascular surgery: An NSQIP data analysis.

Complications after microvascular surgery, such as partial flap loss, and arterial/venous compromise cannot only increase morbidity for the patient but also tax the healthcare system. Thrombocytosis, both essential and reactive, can predispose patients to thrombosis and hemorrhage and thus should intuitively have an effect on the outcome of microvascular free tissue transfers. We sought to evaluate the effect of preoperative thrombocytosis on outcomes after microvascular free flap surgery. A retrospective review of the 2013-2016 American Collges of Surgeons, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database identified 4,299 patients who had microsurgical flaps. Of these 3,744 had preoperative platelet levels recorded. Fifty-four patients had preoperative thrombocytosis, defined as a platelet count >450 K/CUMM, while 3,690 did not. The groups were compared; demographics, comorbidities, and smoking status were recorded. We then examined outcomes between groups including average operative time, length of hospital stay, need for transfusion, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) postoperatively, and need for reoperation. When comparing the two cohorts, there was no statistical difference in comorbidities. We found a significant difference between the thrombocytosis and control cohort in need for transfusion (29.6 vs. 12.8%, p = .0002), average days till discharge (8.36 vs. 5.75, p = .009), and need for reoperation (27.8 vs. 13.8%, p = .003). There was no difference in DVT occurrence (0 vs. 0.1%, p = .46) or average operation time (535 m vs. 482 min, p = .088). Patients with thrombocytosis undergoing microvascular free flaps are at increased risk for complications, including the need for a blood transfusion, prolonged hospital stays, and reoperation.

Radial Forearm Free Tissue Transfer to Clival Defect.

Introduction Reconstruction of craniocervical junction (CCJ) defects after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (ESBS) remains challenging, despite advancements in vascularized intranasal and regional flaps. Microvascular free tissue transfers have revolutionized reconstruction in open skull base surgery but have been utilized rarely in ESBS. We describe the use of a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for reconstruction of a recalcitrant CCJ defect after resection of a clival chordoma. Case Report A 54-year-old female who underwent ESBS for a clival chordoma complicated by a C1–C2 epidural abscess after proton beam therapy presented with pneumocephalus 4 years after her resection ( Fig. 1 ). At the CCJ, she developed a 1-cm skull-base defect. An occult cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak persisted despite an extracranial pericranial flap and a lateral nasal wall flap. Her definite reconstruction was a RFFF inset through a transmaxillary approach. Using a maxillary vestibular incision, anterior, lateral, and medial maxillotomies allowed the introduction of the flap into the nasal cavity and the passage of the RFFF pedicle across the posterior maxillary wall, into the premassateric space and to the facial vessels at the mandible. An endonasal inset supplemented with transoral suturing of the distal end of the flap to the posterior oropharynx halted further CSF egress. Vascularization of the flap was confirmed with intraoperative indocyanine green angiography and postoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conclusion A RFFF inset through a transmaxillary approach to the facial vessels has an adequate reconstructive surface and pedicle to cover the central and posterior fossa skull base after ESBS ( Fig. 2 ). The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/rQ5vJKyD5qg .

Outcomes of free flap reconstructions with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring: A systematic review.

Free flap failure or vascular compromise remains a dreadful complication of microvascular free tissue transfer. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a novel technique for free flap monitoring that has the propensity for early detection of vascular compromise when compared to the current gold standard, clinical monitoring (CM). The objective of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of a NIRS system in the postoperative monitoring of free flaps and its effect on flap salvage. A comprehensive literature review was performed including English-language articles evaluating the use of NIRS in free flap monitoring. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), OVID, and Web of Science were searched upto December 2017. A total of 590 articles were identified, and 10 articles were included for analysis. Overall, flaps with vascular compromise monitored with NIRS had a significantly higher salvage rate of 89% compared with a salvage rate of 50% in the flaps monitored by CM alone (p < .01). Partial loss occurred in 15% of the successful salvages in the NIRS group versus 80% with CM alone (p < .01). Detection of vascular compromise by NIRS preceded clinical signs on average by 82 ± 49 min. NIRS was accurate in detecting compromised flaps with a low false-positive and false-negative rate. Despite lack of robust data, NIRS has the potential to be an objective, accurate, and continuous postoperative free flap monitoring technique with a greater flap salvage rate than CM alone.

Concepts in Early Reconstruction of the Burned Hand.

Early reconstruction of burn sequelae of the hand can be challenging owing to high goals for functional and aesthetic outcome. A variety of reconstructive procedures with ascending levels of complexity exists and warrants careful indication. In this case series, the main reconstructive techniques for reconstruction of burn defects of the hand are described, illustrated, and discussed: split thickness skin grafting (STSG) with fibrin glue, dermal matrices with STSG, distant random pattern (abdominal bridge) flap, distant pedicled flap (superficial circumflex iliac artery flap), and free microvascular tissue transfer (anterolateral thigh flap). An algorithm for decision making in the reconstructive process is proposed. Split thickness skin grafting provides sufficient coverage for partial thickness defects without exposure of functional structures; fixation with fibrin glue avoids unnecessary stapling. Dermal matrices under STSG provide vascularized granulation tissue on full thickness defects and can be used as salvage procedure on functional structures. Distant random pattern or pedicled flaps provide sufficient coverage of large full thickness defects with exposed functional structures but pose some challenges regarding patient compliance and immobilization. Free tissue transfer allows tailored reconstruction of large full thickness defects with exposed functional structures and can be safely and feasibly performed. Secondary and tertiary procedures are needed with more complex techniques; if applied correctly and consequently, all methods can yield favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes. Reconstruction of the burned hand may require a broad armamentarium of surgical techniques with different levels of complexity, versatility, and applicability. Excellent results can be achieved with the right procedure for the right patient.

Analysis of the impact of chronic corticosteroid use on free flap reconstruction.

Systemic corticosteroids negatively impact wound healing, potentially increasing postoperative wound complication rates. In this study, the authors utilize the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database to investigate the impact of chronic steroid usage on postoperative complications following microvascular free tissue transfer procedures. The ACS NSQIP database was queried for all free flap procedures performed between 2005 and 2016. Patients with a history of chronic steroid use (n = 159) were compared to patients with no history of chronic steroid use (n = 3,405). The two cohorts were compared by univariate analysis, followed by multivariate binary logistic regression for all complications noted to be statistically significant on univariate analysis. Patients treated with systemic corticosteroids were more likely to be smokers, have a history of diabetes, hypertension, bleeding disorders, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and have a wound infection at time of surgery. There were increased rates of bleeding requiring transfusion (37.7 vs. 27.5% p = .005), overall surgical complications (48.4 vs. 36.7%, p = .003) and overall complication rates (56.0 vs. 42.3%, p = .001) in these patients. On multivariate analysis, chronic steroid use was not associated with increased risk of surgical complications (OR = 2.540, p = .056, 95% CI 0.975-6.622), overall complications (OR = 2.303, p = .086, 95% CI 0.888-5.973), or wound complications. However, chronic steroid usage conferred nearly a four times increased risk for major bleeding complications (OR = 3.995, p = .009, 95% CI 1.415-11.279). Chronic corticosteroid use does not increase rates of wound complications, reoperation, or readmission. However, this population may be at increased risk for major bleeding requiring blood transfusion following free flap reconstruction.