Journal of reconstructive microsurgery
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J Reconstr Microsurg · May 2021
Comparison of Ischemic Preconditioning and Systemic Piracetam for Prevention of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Musculocutaneous Flaps.
Ischemia-reperfusion injury plays an important role in flap failure. Ischemic preconditioning technique is the only proven method for preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury, but it is not used widely in daily practice because of difficulties such as prolonging the operation time, need for surgical experience, and increasing the risk of complications. This study has been performed with the assumption that piracetam may be a simple and inexpensive alternative to the preconditioning technique due to its antioxidant, antiaggregant, rheological, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, cytoprotective, and immune modulating effects. ⋯ This study shows that systemic piracetam treatment provides protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury in musculocutaneous flaps and can offer a simple and inexpensive alternative to the preconditioning technique.
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J Reconstr Microsurg · Jan 2021
Principles of Orthoplastic Surgery for Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Why Is This Important?
Regardless of the antecedent etiology, lower extremity salvage and reconstruction attempts to avoid amputation, restore limb function, and improve quality of life outcomes. This goal requires a treatment team well versed in neurovascular pathology, skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction, and physical rehabilitation. ⋯ The orthoplastic approach to lower extremity reconstruction is a collaborative model of orthopaedic and plastic surgeons working together to expedite and optimize care of patients in need of lower extremity reconstruction. The implementation of protocols, systems, and centers that foster this approach leads to improve outcomes for these patients. We encourage centers to embrace the orthoplastic approach when considering limb salvage, as the decision to amputate is irreversible.
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J Reconstr Microsurg · Mar 2020
Does Anticoagulation Improve Flap Outcomes in Hypercoagulable Patients? A Systematic Review.
Despite improvements in microsurgical techniques, hypercoagulable patients remain a reconstructive challenge. Thrombophilias are a relatively common problem with potentially catastrophic results including free flap loss. The aim of this study was to assess the available literature on free tissue transfer in patients with known hypercoagulability to develop recommendations for management. ⋯ Free tissue transfer may be successful in hypercoagulable patients. High-risk patients identified preoperatively should receive therapeutic anticoagulation initiated intraoperatively unless contraindicated. Salvage after postoperative thrombosis is poor. Ultimately, the benefits of free tissue transfer must be considered with the potential morbidity of bleeding complications on a case-by-case basis when developing a reconstructive plan. Initiating anticoagulation based on the presence of intraoperative risk factors may prevent unnecessary intervention.
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J Reconstr Microsurg · Oct 2019
Vein Size Mismatch Increases Flap Failure in Lower Extremity Trauma Free Flap Reconstruction.
Venous outflow problems are the most common reasons for perioperative flap complications. Size mismatch in venous anastomoses poses a theoretical problem by promoting turbulent flow and subsequent thrombus formation. The purpose of this study was to determine if increased vein size mismatch is predictive of flap failure. ⋯ Flaps with vein size mismatch ≥ 1 mm demonstrated increased flap complication rates in the setting of end-to-end venous anastomoses. End-to-side anastomosis was preferentially used in vein size mismatch and carried a higher risk of flap failure. Our results support using veins of similar size for anastomosis whenever feasible to protect against flap complications.