Thrombotic occlusion of the microvascular pedicle is the major reason for flap loss. Thus, identifying patients who are at risk for such events is paramount. Rotational thromboelastometry (RTE) is widely used to detect coagulopathy and hypercoagulable states. The aim of our study was to assess its diagnostic value in reconstructive microsurgery. In all 181 patients undergoing free tissue transfer at our department between February 2010 and November 2011 preoperative RTE was performed. In addition, coagulation values as well as patient's demographic data, cause and localization of defect, type of flap and surgical revisions were recorded. The majority of patients was male (59.6%) with traumatic (59.7%) defects located on the lower extremity (60.3%). ALT was the most often used flap (35.9%). Preoperatively, 36.5% of patients had a hypercoagulable RTE (higher than physiological RTE values; intrinsic (ICPT) or extrinsic (ECPT) mean clot firmness (MCF) >72mm or functional fibrinogen (ICF) MCF >25mm). A total of 28 primary thrombosis of the microvascular pedicle occurred, 11 of those in-patients with a hypercoagulable state. Total flap loss rate because ofthrombosis was 7.7% (n = 14). Both a hypercoagulable RTE assay and a functional fibrinogen to platelet ratio (FPR) of >43 (MCF value of ICF divided by the MCF value of ICPT) were significant predictors of thrombotic flap loss when performing multivariate binary logistic regression, co-factoring for age, sex, and comorbidities (p = 0.036 and 0.003, respectively). RTE seems to be able to identify patients that are prone to thrombotic complications and might be used as a screening tool.
We report the case of a 67‐year old male with necrotizing fasciitis after injection of the glenohumeral joint. After extensive debridement a massive defect from the left hip joint to the left upper arm, exposing ribs, scapula, axillary vessels and brachial plexus (45 × 40 cm) was present. Reconstruction was performed with a conjoined right myocutaneous tensor fasciae lata/vastus lateralis flap and a left myocutaneous vastus lateralis flap in combination with an arteriovenous loop originating from the axillary vessels using the greater saphenous vein. Revisional surgeries were necessary including ribs resection and flap re‐advancements. Due to multiorganic failure invasive ventilation, renal replacement‐ and extensive transfusion therapy was required. After 241 days the patient was discharged for rehabilitation. At the 12 months follow‐up wounds were sufficiently closed without the need for further intervention. This case illustrates that immediate diagnosis followed by an aggressive multidisciplinary treatment approach is crucial for the patient survival.
Background and aims Germany uses more blood transfusions than the majority of other countries. The objective of this study was to detect the degree of Patient Blood Management (PBM) implementation within Germany and to identify obstacles to establishing PBM programs. Methods An electronical questionnaire containing 21 questions and 4 topics was sent in 2018 to the members of the German interdisciplinary hemotherapy (IAKH) society in Germany. The degree of PBM (described as pre‐, intra‐, postoperative period) was established via questions within the topics “management of preoperative anemia” (PA) ( n = 5), “preoperative management and transfusion preparation” ( n = 3), PBM organization and structure ( n = 5), coagulation management ( n = 3), perioperative transfusion performance and habits ( n = 3), best practices and problems ( n = 2). Results 533 German hospitals with transfusion activity received the questionnaire with a 32.5% response rate to the survey. A dedicated PBM program had not been established in a quarter of all small and medium sized institutions. Red blood cell transfusion was the only therapeutic option in a third of institutions. Approximately half of the hospitals did not use knowledge of PA rates or transfusion needs of surgical procedures. Institutions failed to implement PBM because of a lack of profit, workload, personnel shortage, and administrative support. Conclusion PBM was not present in at least a quarter of the hospitals interrogated. Factors for improvement were the relationship between health care disciplines and sectors, economic incentives, inclusion of relevant disciplines, and the structure of the blood industry. To improve BPM implementation, hospitals need support to implement top‐down PBM projects.
Introduction Hypercoagulability is associated with an increased risk of microvascular complications and free flap failures. The authors present their experience and approach to diagnosing and treating patients with heterozygotic factor V Leiden (hFVL) thrombophilia undergoing free flap reconstruction. Methods Between November 2009 and June 2018, 23 free flap surgeries were performed in 15 hypercoagulable patients with hFVL. According to the timing of perioperative hypercoagulability work-up, they were grouped into flaps with established diagnoses prior to surgery (Group A) versus flaps with unknown diagnoses prior to surgery (Group B). Baseline characteristics and perioperative complications were compared between both groups, including revision surgeries due to microvascular thromboses, acute bleedings, hematomas, flap necroses, and reconstructive failures. Results HFVL mutations had been confirmed preoperatively in 14 free flap surgeries (61%, Group A), whereas in 9 free flap surgeries (39%, Group B), mutations were only diagnosed postoperatively after the occurrence of microvascular thromboses had warranted extended hypercoagulability work-up. The overall rate of intraoperative flap thromboses was 9% (n = 2), whereas the overall rate of postoperative flap thromboses was 43% (n = 10). The corresponding salvage rates were 100% (n = 2/2) for intraoperative and 40% (n = 4/10) for postoperative pedicle thromboses. A total of five free flaps were lost (22%). Upon comparison, flaps with an unconfirmed diagnosis prior to surgery were at ten times higher risk for developing total necroses (flaps lost in Group B = 4/9 versus Group A = 1/14; OR: 10.4; 95% CI 1.0, 134.7; p = 0.03). Conclusion Meticulous preoperative work-up of patients with any history of hypercoagulability can help reduce free flap loss rates, thus improving surgical outcomes and increasing patient safety.
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