Perioperative considerations in free flap surgery: A review of pressors and anticoagulation

Heparin regimes in head and neck cancer flap surgery: A retrospective cohort study of free flap complications graded by Clavien-Dindo

The purpose of the current study was to compare two different antithrombotic protocols for free flap reconstruction in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification and compared between the two groups: the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) group (n = 57) and the unfractionated heparin (UFH) group (n = 59). Patients with HNSCC from January 2010 to January 2022 were included. A total of 116 patients with a mean age of 60.46 years (range 43-83 years) were included in this study. In all, 81 were male (69.8%), and 35 were female (30.2%). Most patients (48.3%) had only grade 1 or 2 complications. CD grades (1-5) were similar between the two groups. Flap loss occurred in 2 patients (1.7%) in the LMWH group (p = 239). Prognostic factors of flap loss were high BMI, hypertension, high T stage, and high N stage. No differences were found between the groups in regard to age, sex, operating times, flap source, recipient vessels and overall complications. The results of this study demonstrate that UFH was as safe and effective as LMWH regarding postoperative complications. Free flap surgery is safe and effective for head and neck reconstruction.

Preoperative flurbiprofen diminishes the rate of reoperation after free flap reconstruction: A retrospective study

This study aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative flurbiprofen, a non-selective COX inhibitor, and reoperation for flap crisis after free flap reconstruction. In this retrospective study, patients who underwent head and neck surgery with free flap reconstructions were collected. To identify risk factors for reoperation from demographic features and perioperative variables, univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted. After propensity score matching (PSM), univariate and adjusted multivariate analyses were employed to explore the impact of preoperative flurbiprofen on reoperation after free flap reconstruction. This study comprised 437 patients, 33 of whom underwent reoperations for flap crisis. After multivariate analysis, radiotherapy history (P = 0.005; odds ratio [OR] = 0.225; 95% CI, 0.080-0.636) and preoperative flurbiprofen (P = 0.038; OR = 5.059; 95% CI, 1.094-23.386) were identified as independent factors for reoperation. PSM was achieved, and preoperative flurbiprofen was found to diminish the reoperation rate (P = 0.046; OR = 4.765; 95% CI, 1.029-22.202) without increasing bleeding complications. Within the limitations of the study, flurbiprofen should be administered preoperatively to reduce the rate of reoperations for flap crisis whenever appropriate.

Evaluating the impact of hemodynamic support measures on head and neck free tissue transfer outcomes: A population-based analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to analyze the effects of perioperative blood transfusions and vasopressors on 30-day surgical complications and 1-year mortality after reconstructive surgery in head and neck free tissue transfer (FTT) and to identify predictors of administration of perioperative blood transfusions or vasopressors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TriNetX (TriNetX LLC, Cambridge, USA), an international population-level electronic health record database, was queried to identify subjects that underwent FTT requiring perioperative (intraoperative to postoperative day 7) vasopressors or blood transfusions. Primary dependent variables were 30-day surgical complications and 1-year mortality. Propensity score matching was used to control for population differences, and covariate analysis was used to identify preoperative comorbidities associated with perioperative vasopressor or transfusion requirements.

RESULTS

7,631 patients met inclusion criteria. Preoperative malnutrition was associated with increased odds of perioperative transfusion (p = 0.002) and vasopressor requirement (p < 0.001). Perioperative blood transfusion (n = 941) was associated with increased odds of any surgical complication (p = 0.041) within 30 days postoperatively and specifically increased odds of wound dehiscence (p = 0.008) and FTT failure (p = 0.002), respectively. Perioperative vasopressor was (n = 197) was not associated with 30-day surgical complications. Vasopressor requirement was associated with increased hazards-ratio of mortality at 1-year (p = 0.0031).

CONCLUSION

Perioperative blood transfusion in FTT is associated with increased odds for surgical complications. Judicious use as a hemodynamic support measure should be considered. Perioperative vasopressor use was associated with an increased risk of one-year mortality. Malnutrition is a modifiable risk factor for perioperative transfusion and vasopressor requirement. These data warrant further investigation to assess causation and potential opportunity for practice improvement.

Outcomes of perioperative vasopressor use for hemodynamic management of patients undergoing free flap surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the objective evidence regarding outcomes in head and neck free flap surgeries using vasoactive agents in the perioperative period. A search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies in which vasopressors were used in head and neck free flap surgery during the intraoperative and perioperative period. Eighteen studies (n = 5397) were included in the qualitative analysis and nine (n = 4381) in the meta-analysis. There was no difference in flap failure outcomes with perioperative vasopressor use in head and neck free flap surgery (n = 4015, OR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.60, 1.44]). When patients received vasopressors perioperatively, there was an associated decrease in flap-specific complications (n = 3881, OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.55, 0.87]). Intraoperative vasopressor use does not negatively impact free tissue transfer outcomes in head and neck surgery and may reduce overall free flap complications.

Effect of Perioperative Antithrombotics on Head and Neck Microvascular Free Flap Survival After Anastomotic Revision

OBJECTIVE

To determine if antithrombotic therapy improves head and neck microvascular free flap survival following anastomotic revision.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of all patients with microvascular free tissue transfer to the head and neck between August 2013 and July 2021.

SETTING

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Departments at University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Colorado, and University of California Irvine.

METHODS

Perioperative use of anticoagulation, antiplatelets, intraoperative heparin bolus, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and vasopressor use, and leech therapy were collected plus microvascular free flap outcomes. The primary endpoint was free flap failure. Analyses of free flaps that underwent anastomotic revision with or without thrombectomy were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 843 microvascular free flaps were included. The overall rate of flap failure was 4.0% (n = 34). The overall rate of pedicle anastomosis revision (artery, vein, or both) was 5.0% (n = 42) with a failure rate of 47.6% (n = 20) after revision. Anastomotic revision significantly increased the risk of flap failure (odds ratio [OR] 52.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] [23.90, 121.1], p < .0001) especially when both the artery and vein were revised (OR 9.425, 95% CI [2.117, 52.33], p = .005). Free flap failure after the anastomotic revision was not affected by postoperative antiplatelet therapy, postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation, intraoperative heparin bolus, tPA, and therapeutic anticoagulation regardless of which vessels were revised and if a thrombus was identified.

CONCLUSION

In cases of microvascular free tissue transfer pedicle anastomotic revision, the use of antithrombotic therapy does not appear to significantly change free flap survival outcomes.

Microsurgical Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of Extremity Soft Tissue Defects in Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND

The anterolateral thigh flap is one of the most widely used flaps because it has the advantages of less damage to the donor site, no sacrifice of main blood vessels, and abundant soft tissue. However, the application of anterolateral thigh flap in children is relatively rare because of small blood vessels and rapid physiological changes. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness and characteristics of free anterolateral thigh flaps for the reconstruction of extremity soft tissue defects in pediatric patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 26 pediatric patients, with an average age of 6.7 years (range, 2-13 years). There were 5 cases of upper limb defects and 21 cases of lower limb defects, all of which were accompanied by exposed bones or tendons. The causes of defects included traffic injury in 9 cases, mechanical injury in 7 cases, collision injury in 4 cases, spoke injury in 3 cases, cicatricial contracture in 2 cases, and fibroma in 1 case. All defects were reconstructed with free anterolateral thigh flaps.

RESULTS

Twenty-six anterolateral thigh flaps were harvested, including 15 fasciocutaneous flaps and 11 musculocutaneous flaps. The mean size of the flap was 73.4 cm2 (range, 4 × 3 to 24 × 8 cm). The donor sites were sutured directly in 19 cases and underwent split-thickness skin grafting in 7 cases. There were 3 cases of vascular crisis, 3 cases of flap edge necrosis, 3 cases of infection, 1 case of pressure ulcer, and 1 case of dehiscence after surgery. Eleven patients had scar hyperplasia in the donor site. A total of 34 reoperations were performed, including 14 flap debulking, 7 debridement, 4 skin graft, 3 vascular crisis re-exploration, and 6 other procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Free anterolateral thigh flap was a safe and reliable option for reconstructing soft tissue defects of extremities in pediatric patients. Notably, the incidence of scar hyperplasia in the donor site and the possibility of reoperation in pediatric patients were higher than those in adult patients.

Association of Continuous Intraoperative Vasopressor Use With Reoperation Rates in Head and Neck Free-Flap Reconstruction

Importance

Continuous vasopressor use in free-flap reconstruction is a point of contention among microvascular surgeons despite data demonstrating safety.

Objective

To investigate the association between continuous vasopressor use and the incidence of reoperation in the early postoperative period.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, a retrospective medical record review was conducted of patients who underwent head and neck free-flap reconstructions between May 1, 2014, and October 31, 2019, in an academic tertiary care center. All patients undergoing free-flap reconstruction for head and neck defects were included.

Exposures

Continuous intraoperative vasopressors.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient medical records were queried for demographic variables; intraoperative use of vasopressors; vasopressor type, duration, and infusion rate; reoperation within the first 5 postoperative days; and reason for reoperation.

Results

Four hundred forty-nine consecutive free-flap reconstructions were performed on 426 patients. The mean age was 62 years (IQR, 55.7-71.1); 293 patients were men (65.3%), 380 were White (84.6%), 55 were Black (12.2%), and 14 were of other race or ethnicity (3.1%). A total of 174 patients received a continuous vasopressor during their reconstruction. Twenty-three reoperations occurred within 5 days postoperatively, 8 of which included vasopressors during initial intervention. Vasopressor type had no association with reoperation (4.5% vs 5.5% [8/174 vs 15/275, respectively] for patients who received vasopressors vs those who did not) (dobutamine odds ratio [OR], 1.02 [95% CI, 0.21-2.91]; dopamine OR, 1.48 [95% CI, 0.33-4.26]). No difference was seen in the duration (dobutamine OR, 1.50 [95% CI, 0.78-2.90]; dopamine OR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.59-1.28]) or infusion rate (dobutamine OR, 1.50 [95% CI, 0.99-1.02]; dopamine OR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.99-1.01]) of vasopressors between patients who underwent reoperation and those who did not. Analysis after the exclusion of reasons for reoperation that did not represent possible microvascular anastomosis failure (eg, Doppler malfunction, donor site complications) showed no increased propensity for reoperation (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.27-3.9).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, use of vasopressors for extensive periods intraoperatively during free-tissue transfer appeared to have no association with the rate of reoperation within 5 days of intervention, regardless of agent used, simultaneous use of agents, type of free-flap operation performed, or reason for reoperation. This study adds to the body of literature supporting the judicious use of vasopressors in patients requiring intraoperative pharmacological pressure support during free-flap reconstruction.

Outcomes in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction Among Patients With a History of Venous Thromboembolism

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a risk factor for complications in head and neck free flap surgery by assessing outcomes among patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single tertiary care center.

METHODS

All patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction at our institution between September 1, 2006, and April 2, 2020, were assessed for inclusion. Patients with and without a history of DVT or PE preoperatively were identified and grouped for comparison. Groups were compared for demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day complications. Significance was assessed with chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 1061 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 40 (3.8%) had a history of VTE. These patients were significantly older (mean [SD], years: 67.8 [11.7] vs 63.0 [14.1], P = .038) and significantly more likely to have history of chemotherapy (35.0% vs 18.7%, P = .010) and stroke (27.5% vs 4.5%, P < .001). After accounting for patient characteristics via binary logistic regression, VTE was independently associated with an increased risk for postoperative thrombosis of the free flap pedicle (odds ratio [95% CI] = 3.65 [1.12-11.90], P = .032) and reoperation (2.45 [1.25-4.80], P = .009). Patients with history of PE had a significantly increased risk for flap failure (7.70 [1.77-33.52], P = .007). Prior VTE was not independently associated with an increased risk for medical complications or readmission.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a history of VTE may be at an increased risk for free flap compromise secondary to postoperative pedicle thrombosis. This risk should be considered in preoperative workup and postoperative monitoring.

Face transplantation: anesthesia and other organizational considerations

In 2005, the first facial vascularized composite allotransplant was performed in France. In May 2018, our team at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, had the privilege to participate in the first facial transplant in Canada. Interdisciplinary collaboration, coordination, and communication formed the cornerstone of this medical undertaking and, ultimately, its success. This report details the anesthetic and organizational considerations of our experience.

Comparison Between the Impact of Vasopressors and Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy on the Management of Free Flap Reconstruction of Head and Neck and Monitoring in ICU

Head and neck reconstructions are often accompanied with complex long surgical procedures. Free flap tissue transfer is a standard reconstruction method that reestablishes severe tissue defects after resection due to trauma or cancer. Imbalanced fluid resuscitation can extremely harm the outcome of the flap either due to hypoperfusion or edema. Flap-related postoperative complications mainly flap failure necessitates the administration of a large amount of intravenous fluids perioperatively especially with lengthy operative time. Therefore, vasopressors may be used to preserve hemodynamic stability without excessive fluids use. Nevertheless, these vasopressors have long been disfavored as they may provoke anastomosis vasoconstriction leading to graft hypoperfusion and finally flap failure. However, according to recent guidelines, they are now well-thought to be safe. Of note, inotropes have been confirmed to increase blood flow in the anastomosis hence they can replace vasoconstrictors. Recently, goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been proven to be excellent in high-risk head and neck free tissue transfer surgery as it decreases prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) admission hospitalization and complication rate. Today, GDFT is highly suggested as one of the enhanced recoveries after surgery protocols for major head and neck free flap reconstruction surgery.

The Use of Vasopressor Agents in Free Tissue Transfer for Head and Neck Reconstruction: Current Trends and Review of the Literature

Background/Objectives

Microvascular free tissue transfer has become essential to head and neck reconstruction and recent advancements in microvascular surgery have led to excellent surgical outcomes. However, there continues to be controversy and a stigma associated with the use of perioperative intravenous vasopressor agents among both surgeons and anesthesiologists. Due to concern for vasoconstriction of peripheral vasculature flowing to the denervated tissue flap, there remains concerns about potential thrombosis, decreased tissue perfusion and ultimately flap failure. This topic becomes even more important as vasopressors play an essential role in new Extended Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols being put in place to optimize postoperative recovery for patients. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively review the role and safety as well as discuss current trends with intraoperative vasopressor agents in free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction.

Methods

A scoping literature review was conducted of all studies that examined the use of vasopressor agents during head and neck free flap tissue transfer. Primary and secondary outcomes included free flap survival, arterial thrombosis, venous congestion, need for revision surgery, and other postoperative complications.

Results

One prospective and nine retrospective studies were identified. Phenylephrine and ephedrine were the most common vasopressors reported; the rate of vasopressor use ranged from 53% to 85% and administration methods included both bolus and infusion. The included studies did not show any significant association between the use of vasopressors and free flap failure, pedicle thrombosis, or other flap complications.

Conclusion

The administration of vasopressors during microvascular free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction does not seem to be associated with increased flap failure rates or other postoperative morbidities. Moreover, vasopressors may provide overall improved hemodynamic stability and help to limit overall fluid administration and subsequent postoperative complications. Additional prospective investigation is warranted to further elucidate and establish evidence-based recommendations regarding the type, timing, and dose of vasopressors to further enhance free flap survival and patient outcomes.

Anastomotic Revision in Head and Neck Free Flaps

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Predictors of free tissue transfer (FTT) failure and the need for postoperative revision (POR) have been extensively studied; however, there are little data evaluating outcomes when intraoperative revision (IOR) at initial surgery is required. This study seeks to better understand the impact IOR of the pedicle has on FTT outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of 2482 consecutive patients across three tertiary institutions.

METHODS

Adult patients (>18) who received a FTT and underwent anastomotic revision from 2006 to 2019 were included. Logistic regression was performed to predict revision, and recursive partitioning was performed to classify risk of failure based on type of revision and vessels revised.

RESULTS

Failure rates for IOR (19%) and POR (27%) were higher compared to a nonrevised failure rate of 2% (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). Intraoperative venous revision (IORv, n = 13), arterial (IORa, n = 114), and both (IORb, n = 11) were associated with failure rates of 8% (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, P = .23), 18% (OR = 9.0, P < .01), 45% (OR = 35.3, P = <.01), respectively. Arterial revision was most common among IOR (83%, P < .01). Postoperative venous revision (PORv, n = 35), arterial (PORa, n = 36), and both (PORb, n = 11) were associated with failure rates of 20% (OR = 15.7, P < .01), 27% (OR = 10.6, P < .01), and 39% (OR = 27.0, P < .01), respectively. Failure rate for flaps that had POR after IOR (PORi, n = 11) was 45% (OR = 18.2, P < .01). Diabetes predicted IOR (P = .006); tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and prior radiation predicted POR (P = .01, P = .05, and P = .01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Both IOR and POR were associated with increased failure compared to nonrevised flaps. The risk of failure increases sequentially with intraoperative or POR of the vein, artery, or both vessels. Revision of both vessels and POR after IOR are strongly predictive of failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1035-1041, 2021.

Unfavorable outcomes in microsurgery: possibilities for improvement

The main aim of the present report is to describe our learning curve in microsurgery and how we solved the problems that frequently occur during the first phases of this learning curve. We analyzed the medical records of 69 patients that underwent head and neck reconstruction with free flaps in our department. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included the patients reconstructed between January 2011 and June 2017, whilst Group 2 included those reconstructed between July 2017 and August 2018. A χ² test was used to compare the differences between the two groups in terms of flap failure (failure and partial failure) and eventual clinical errors. The p value was set at 0.05. Flap failure and clinical errors were most frequently observed in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Greater awareness of the need for proper functioning of the anastomosis during surgery, along with more exhaustive postoperative monitoring might explain the lower number of failures and signs of vascular compromise observed in Group 2. A number of variables may influence flap survival. Postoperative care, head position, kinking, body temperature, blood pressure and the ability to recognize the sign of vascular compromise all play a fundamental role following surgery. However, microsurgery is not just a routine type of surgery, and a properly trained team with several types of professionals must be adequately prepared to obtain acceptable results.