scholarly journals Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Hemodynamics and Outcome of Free Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgeries

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
Sunil Rajan ◽  
Sumana Moorthy ◽  
Jerry Paul ◽  
Lakshmi Kumar

Background and Aims: Dexmedetomidine is less frequently used during free flap surgeries for fear of causing vasoconstriction leading to flap failure as it is an α2 agonist. But most patients following major resections with free flap reconstruction develop uncontrolled hypertension postoperatively which could lead to complications resulting in reduced flap perfusion. We aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine on postop haemodynamics, re-exploration rates and final outcome of free flaps in patients who underwent reconstructive surgeries. Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized study was conducted in 40 patients aged 20-70 years. Patients in both groups received morphine 0.1mg/kg, 30 minutes before end of surgery. In addition, in Group D dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg bolus was also given at the same time, followed by 0.5mcg/kg/hr infusion. Post operatively the patients received either dexmedetomidine 0.5mcg/kg/h (Group D) or morphine 2mg/hr (Group M) infusion for 12 hours. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-Square test and independent sample t test. Results: Morphine group had significantly higher heart rate (105.2 ± 7.5 vs 90.0 ± 11.7), systolic blood pressure (167.5 ± 7.3 vs 125.4 ±16.6) and mean arterial pressures (103.5 ± 4.6 vs 87.8 ± 12.2) than dexmedetomidine group. Same trend persisted till 12 hours post operatively. More patients in morphine group required re-exploration of the flap (15 vs 10%) and had flap failure (7.5 vs 2.5%), but these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can be safely used in patients with free flap reconstruction as it optimizes postoperative hemodynamics and is not associated with any significant increase in re-exploration or flap failures. Key Messages: Dexmedetomidine resulted in optimal postoperative hemodynamics, reduced re-exploration rate and better flap outcome.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-66
Author(s):  
Isobel Yeap ◽  
Chris Ahn ◽  
Stuart Hoffman ◽  
Rowan Gillies ◽  
John Vandervord

Background: Factor V Leiden is the most common form of inherited thrombophilic syndrome, affecting five per cent of caucasians. While increased rates of venous thromboembolic complications have been regularly reported in factor V Leiden patients, little is known about their risk of microvascular complications or flap failure rates in free-flap surgery. The aim of this review is to qualitatively review the published literature on outcomes of free-flap surgery in patients with factor V Leiden. Methods: MEDLINE®, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched from their dates of inception to March 2017. Nine studies of level IV evidence were included in this qualitative review. In total, these studies included 22 patients who underwent 24 free-flap operations. Results: Nine flap failures were reported due to thrombotic complications. Even heterozygous factor V Leiden patients had a relatively high risk of free-flap failure (3/15 free flaps), and patients who were heterozygous for factor V Leiden and had other coexistent thrombophilias had an even higher failure rate (5/6 free flaps). However, the small sample size across the nine studies, as well as the inevitable publication bias, means that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. Conclusion: Despite factor V Leiden being a relatively common condition in Australia, current evidence for outcomes of free-flap reconstruction in this patient population is lacking.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Parkes ◽  
Howard Krein ◽  
Ryan Heffelfinger ◽  
Joseph Curry

Objective. To detail the clinical outcomes of a series of patients having undergone free flap reconstruction of the orbit and periorbita and highlight the anterolateral thigh (ALT) as a workhorse for addressing defects in this region. Methods. A review of 47 patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for orbital or periorbital defects between September 2006 and May 2011 was performed. Data reviewed included demographics, defect characteristics, free flap used, additional reconstructive techniques employed, length of stay, complications, and follow-up. The ALT subset of the case series was the focus of the data reviewed for this paper. Selected cases were described to highlight some of the advantages of employing the ALT for cranio-orbitofacial reconstruction. Results. 51 free flaps in 47 patients were reviewed. 38 cases required orbital exenteration. The ALT was used in 33 patients. Complications included 1 hematoma, 2 wound infections, 3 CSF leaks, and 3 flap failures. Conclusions. Free tissue transfer allows for the safe and effective reconstruction of complex defects of the orbit and periorbital structures. Reconstructive choice is dependent upon the extent of soft tissue loss, midfacial bone loss, and skullbase involvement. The ALT provides a versatile option to reconstruct the many cranio-orbitofacial defects encountered.


2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (03) ◽  
pp. 283-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajan Arora ◽  
Vinay Kumar Verma ◽  
Kripa Shanker Mishra ◽  
Hemant Bhoye ◽  
Rahul Kapoor

ABSTRACT Aims and Objective: The aim of the present article is to highlight how reconstruction with free flaps is different and difficult in cases with robotic head-and-neck cancer surgery. It also highlights the technical guidelines on how to manage the difficulties. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients with oropharyngeal cancer having undergone tumour excision followed by free-flap reconstruction been reviewed here. Nine patients had tumour excision done robotically through intraoral route while neck dissection done with transverse neck crease incision. There is a problem of difficult flap inset in this group of patient. Two patients had intraoral excision of tumour followed by robotic neck dissection via retroauricular incision. With no incision directly on the neck, microvascular anastomosis is challenging in this set of patients. Free flap was used in all the cases to reconstruct the defect. Results: Successful reconstruction with free flap was done in all the cases with good outcome both functionally and aesthetically. Conclusion: Free-flap reconstruction is possible in robotic head-and-neck cancer surgery despite small and difficult access, but it does need practice and some technical modifications for good outcome.


2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
R. Anand ◽  
M. Ethunandan ◽  
P. Ramchandani ◽  
V. Ilankovan

2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P125-P126
Author(s):  
Barrie Yau-Boon Tan ◽  
Mark Khoo

Objectives To study the use, complication rate, and efficacy of pedicled local regional flaps for head and neck reconstruction, and to compare these results with those of microvascular free flap reconstruction. Methods Retrospective analysis of all head and neck oncologic resections requiring flap reconstruction in a tertiary head and neck surgery centre over a 6-year period from 2001–2007. Results In total, 77 operations with flap reconstruction were performed. 44 resections employed pedicled locoregional flaps, comprising 33 pectoralis major, 3 trapezius, 3 cervical rotation, 1 deltopectoral, 1 temporalis muscle, 2 nasolabial, 1 cheek rotation, and 2 bilobed rotation flaps. 2 patients had a combination of 2 regional flaps. There was 1 flap failure. Minor complications occurred in 25% of patients comprising wound seromas (3), wound dehiscence (6), fibrotic band formation (1) and pharyngocutaneous fistula (1). 33 resections employed free flap microvascular reconstructions, comprising 22 free radial forearm, 7 free rectus abdominis, 1 free jejunal, 1 free fibular, and 2 anterolateral thigh flaps. There was 1 flap failure. Minor complications occurred in 33% of patients, comprising donor site wound dehiscence (4), recipient site wound dehiscence or seroma (4), plate extrusion (1), abscess and wound breakdown (2). Conclusions Despite the ready access to free flap reconstruction today, pedicled flaps, especially the pectoralis major flap, remain a major workhorse in head and neck reconstruction. They are hardy, reliable, cost-effective, and can be done in a short operative time. Moreover, for several regions, the functional outcome is no worse than free flap reconstruction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Schrire ◽  
Ahmed Emam ◽  
Giulia Colavitti ◽  
Umraz Khan

Abstract Introduction In modern medicine, free flap reconstruction has become the gold standard when faced with soft tissue defects. The impressive cosmesis, and adaptability of free flaps means that we can securely state that we are in the era of Plastic Surgery defined by free flap reconstruction. However, as part of free flap reconstruction, clinical monitoring of the flap is a central tenet post-operatively. Different departments have different protocols for this. Method In our unit, it is practice to insert a single interrupted stitch overlying the Doppler site just before dressings. This localises the site of the pedicle for Doppler monitoring, and allows the surgeon to examine the quality of the blood droplets, demonstrating flap perfusion. Results The use of the stitch is considered practical, replicable, and safe, and aids in providing gold standard monitoring post-operatively. The additional analysis of the blood droplet is another sign, in itself, of a healthy flap, and excludes venous congestion. Conclusions The Bristol stitch is a useful adjunct to free flap reconstruction. It’s localisation of the Doppler signal allows medical and nursing staff to confidently approach post-operative monitoring, and the blood elicited by the stitch insertion is a useful sign of flap vascularity and venous status.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (07) ◽  
pp. 492-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Heidekrueger ◽  
Elisabeth Haas ◽  
Michaela Coenen ◽  
Riccardo Giunta ◽  
Milomir Ninkovic ◽  
...  

Background Free tissue transfers can successfully address a wide range of reconstructive requirements. While the negative influence of cigarette smoking is well documented, its effects in the setting of microsurgical free flap reconstruction remain debated. This study evaluates the impact of cigarette smoking on microsurgical reconstructions. Methods Over a 7-year period, 897 patients underwent 969 microvascular free flap reconstructions at a single surgical center. The cases were divided into “smoker” (S) and “nonsmoker” (NS) groups according to their cigarette smoking status. The data were retrospectively screened for patients' demographics, perioperative details, surgical complications, free flap types, recipient sites, flap survival, and overall outcomes. Results Both groups were comparable regarding comorbidities including hypertension, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, types of performed free flaps, and recipient sites. While patients in the NS group were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of obesity (p < 0.05), there were no significant differences regarding the rate of major or minor complications during our 3-month follow-up period (p > 0.05). Conclusion While minor and major complications were increased regarding virtually all examined parameters, cigarette smoking did not have significant effects on the overall outcomes of microsurgical free flap reconstructions.


Author(s):  
Daniel Hammer ◽  
Aurora G. Vincent ◽  
Fayette Williams ◽  
Yadranko Ducic

AbstractMidface reconstruction has been a consistent challenge for reconstructive surgeons even with the significant advances in technology and technique achieved over the recent years. A meticulous preoperative assessment of the patient is required to properly assess the defect or anticipated defect, determine proper reconstructive surgical plan, and discuss expected functional and aesthetic outcomes with the patient. For years we have employed local flaps, regional flaps, obturators, alloplastic implants, free flaps, or a combination of the previously mentioned techniques to address complex midface reconstruction. Free flap reconstruction in the midface requires special considerations for the pedicle, flap selection, and flap design to ensure an optimal outcome. The introduction of virtual surgical planning for reconstruction has enhanced patient outcomes to include advances in immediate dental rehabilitation at the time of free flap surgery. Postoperative considerations including quality of life, functional and aesthetic outcomes, and management of complications will also be discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (01) ◽  
pp. 030-037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurora Vincent ◽  
Jason Burkes ◽  
Fayette Williams ◽  
Yadranko Ducic

AbstractTumors of the maxilla and midface are some of the most difficult to manage, not only in terms of treatment but also in terms of achieving acceptable orofacial reconstruction. Today, free flaps dominate the reconstructive field. Many patients can achieve successful reconstruction after free flap transfer with a return of intelligible speech, a regular diet, and acceptable cosmesis. Herein, the authors review free flap reconstruction of the maxilla, with a focus on the classifications of defects, when obturators are appropriate, types and sources of free flaps, and complications for which to beware.


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