Journal of reconstructive microsurgery
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J Reconstr Microsurg · Feb 2018
Review Meta AnalysisDoes Postoperative Anticoagulation Therapy Lead to a Higher Success Rate for Microvascular Free-Tissue Transfer in the Head and Neck? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Due to limited evidence, it is unclear whether postoperative anticoagulation therapy may lead to higher success rates for microvascular free-flap surgery in the head and neck. This review evaluated whether postoperative anticoagulation therapy can lead to a better result in head and neck reconstruction. ⋯ The findings from our meta-analysis indicate that postoperative anticoagulation therapy barely decreases the risks of flap loss and thromboembolic events in free-flap surgery in the head and neck. However, it may significantly increase the risk of hematoma formation. Considering the limitations of this meta-analysis, additional high-quality, multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.