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Predictive value of the milking patency test when performing the arterial microanastomosis in head and neck surgery
Author(s) -
Podeur Fabien,
Peyrachon Benjamin,
Nokovitch Lara,
Dammacco Maria Adèle,
Qassemyar Quentin,
Deneuve Sophie
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.25841
Subject(s) - anastomosis , medicine , predictive value , microsurgery , surgery , artery , head and neck
Background The milking patency test (MPT) is widely used to assess the patency of microanastomosis, despite it being proven to be a traumatic test. Methods We performed microanastomoses with intentional two‐wall stitches and asked senior microsurgeons to evaluate the permeability of the anastomoses by looking first at the results of the MPT, then according to artery pulsation. Results Microsurgeons were all accurate in evaluating normal or clamped anastomoses. But in anastomoses with defects, the MPT was considered normal 94%, 85%, and 73%. MPT has a positive predictive value of 100% but with a negative predictive value of 27.5%. Observation of the artery pulsation distal to the anastomosis gave similar results. Conclusions Our experiment shows that the two‐wall stitches on arterial anastomoses are hardly detected by an MPT. The observed pulsation of the artery gives the same results and could be used instead, without damaging the vessels.