Applications of Ultrasound in the Postoperative Period: A Review

Abstract

Background Recent advances in ultrasound technology have further increased its potential for routine use by plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Methods An extensive literature review was performed to determine the most common applications of ultrasound in the postoperative care of plastic and reconstructive surgery patients. Results In contrast with other available imaging modalities, ultrasound is cost-effective, rapid to obtain, eliminates the need for ionizing radiation or intravenous contrast, and has virtually no contraindications. In addition to its diagnostic capabilities, ultrasound can also be used to facilitate treatment of common postoperative concerns conveniently at the bedside or in an office setting. Conclusion This article presents a review of the current applications of ultrasound imaging in the postoperative care of plastic and reconstructive surgery patients, including free flap monitoring following microsurgery, diagnosis and treatment of hematoma and seroma, including those associated with BIA-ALCL, and breast implant surveillance.

Safety of Drainless Donor Closure in DIEP Flap-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective Analysis Using Ultrasound

“…Also, by performing active ultrasound examinations, we were able to confirm that donor-site postoperative fluid accumulation could be detected reliably and treated successfully by simple aspiration in the outpatient clinic. As suggested previously, 19 it is likely that active surveillance using ultrasound examination enables early detection of postoperative fluid collection and timely intervention prior to the development of chronic seroma or subsequent complications.…”

Ultrasound in Microsurgery: Current Applications and New Frontiers

“…Currently, postoperative tissue perfusion is typically monitored clinically by assessing flap color, temperature, edema, turgor, capillary refill, and bleeding. However, while clinical monitoring does have a relatively high success rate, relying solely on this method for monitoring is imprecise and may increase the risk of misdiagnosis and flap failure [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…Multiple adjunctive means of postoperative flap monitoring are routinely employed including acoustic Doppler, buried flap monitoring devices, and other non-invasive devices [ 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Ultrasound serves a critical function in the postoperative period of flap surgery to monitor for adequate flap perfusion and the development of hematomas, seromas, or other skin or soft tissue infections [ 36 ]. High-frequency ultrasound is another tool that can assist with assessment of postoperative tissue perfusion and flap viability and detect signs of vascular compromise in real time.…”

“…Ultrasound was able to differentiate between arterial and venous thromboses, with a false-positive rate of 0%, with complete salvage achieved in all cases [ 34 ]. Ultrasound also serves as a valuable tool for guiding postoperative interventions, such as drainage procedures or secondary revisions [ 36 ]. Overall, the utilization of ultrasound in the postoperative phase of microsurgery enhances patient care by providing clinicians with timely and accurate information to guide clinical decision-making and optimize salvage when needed.…”

Place and objectives of ultrasound examination of the mammary glands after augmentation mammoplasty with silicone endoprostheses in the instrumental algorithm of patients with suspected BIA-ALCL (literature review)

“…Появление жидкостного скопления в перипротезном пространстве в позднем послеоперационном периоде может быть связано с различного вида травмами, перенесенными воспалительными заболеваниями, приемом ряда препаратов, разрывом импланта, формированием сером, гематом, капсулярной контрактуры и в том числе с развитием BIA-ALCL. Пациенток при этом могут беспокоить боли, увеличение объема одной или обеих молочных желез, а также изменение их формы [40][41][42]. По данным Р. McGuire и соавт.…”