The Laryngoscope
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Review Comparative Study
Effects of aspirin and low-dose heparin in head and neck reconstruction using microvascular free flaps.
The success of microvascular free-tissue transfer to the head and neck has been greatly increased secondary to increased experience, yet postoperative anticoagulation continues to be routinely used to prevent pedicle thrombosis. However, there is currently no consensus as to what the ideal regimen, if any, is recommended for postoperative anticoagulation. This study reviews the outcome and incidence of perioperative complications in patients undergoing free flaps for head and neck reconstruction, using a simple postoperative anticoagulation regimen of aspirin and subcutaneous heparin (SQH). ⋯ The free flap survival rate in patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction using this simple anticoagulation regimen of aspirin and SQH appears to be equivalent to the free flap survival rate in patients using other anticoagulation agents. In addition, aspirin and SQH do not increase the incidence of postoperative hematoma when compared with the other anticoagulation agents. Therefore, aspirin and SQH appear to be reliable postoperative anticoagulation agents for patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction using free flaps.
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Robotic surgery has significant potential in pharyngeal and microlaryngeal surgery. We demonstrate the use of a surgical robot in pharyngeal and microlaryngeal surgery in a cadaver. ⋯ Using the daVinci Surgical Robot, six different pharyngeal and microlaryngeal dissections were successfully performed in a cadaver. The recent development of surgical robotics has a potential role in pharyngeal and microlaryngeal surgery. Surgical robots offer the ability to manipulate instruments at their distal ends with increased freedom of movement, scaled movement, tremor buffering, and under stereoscopic three-dimensional visualization. Surgical robots may increase the precision with which we perform currently described procedures; additionally, surgical robots may advance the field of endoscopic laryngeal and pharyngeal surgery.