Open AccessClinical Usefulness of Harmonic Scalpel in Free Flap
Author(s) -
Baek ChungHawn,
Byun Hayoung,
Ki Chung Man,
Park JuYeon,
Son Younglk
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811415823a95
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , free flap , harmonic scalpel , thigh , tourniquet , forearm , dissection (medical) , blood loss
Objective Assess the efficacy and safety of ultrasound‐powered shears (Harmonic Scalpel) in free flap elevation for head and neck defects. Method From January to August 2010, there were 15 patients enrolled, who underwent reconstructive surgery with free flap in our institution. Donor sites were radial forearm in 10, anterolateral thigh in 5, and fibula in 2. HS was used in harvesting the perforators and the vascular pedicles. Results All the free flaps were successfully harvested within 50 to 70 min (from skin incision to pedicle ligation). Bleeding was minimal even without tourniquet application. All vascular pedicle dissections were performed without mechanical or thermal damages, and they were anastomosized to proper, recipient vessels. Conclusion Based on our experiences, HS is a safe and efficient instrument in harvesting the free flaps, especially because of no increased risk of thermal damage to vascular pedicle.