Microsurgery
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Despite advances in the monitoring of free flaps, there is still a demand for new technology to detect ischemic complications at an early stage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of the O2C-device in terms of detecting flap failure in commonly used perforator flaps for breast reconstruction. ⋯ The O2C-device seems to be a reliable, objective, and non-invasive device for the monitoring of free flaps. Thus, it may improve flap survival rates by detecting vascular compromise at an early stage.
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In the last decade surgical training is being revolutionized by two novel concepts that have been introduced to almost all branches of surgery including and most recently to microsurgery. These two concepts are: objective assessments of surgical skills and the nurturing of surgical skills in a simulation laboratory setting. ⋯ This requires accurate objective assessment tools that can define and quantify microsurgical competency. This article aims to review the current literature on the various objective assessment tools adapted for microsurgery and attempt to identify the gaps that need to be addressed by research in microsurgical education to establish the ideal objective assessment tool.
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Microvascular surgeons always hold strong belief against the use of vasopressors during free flap surgery. Our aim is to study the safety of intra-operative vasopressors on free jejunal flap reconstruction. ⋯ The intra-operative use of vasopressors is safe in free jejunal flap reconstruction.