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Osmotic complications of low‐molecular‐weight dextran therapy in free flap surgery
Author(s) -
Hardin Charles K.,
Kirk William C.,
Pederson William C.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.1920130109
Subject(s) - dextran , medicine , surgery , microsurgery , microcirculation , free flap , anesthesia , biochemistry , chemistry
Low‐molecular‐weight dextran is utilized by many microsurgeons after free tissue transfer for its beneficial effects on the microcirculation. While it is generally felt to have a low rate of complications, severe complications secondary to dextran's osmotic effects may occur. We report here on two cases in which therapy with low‐molecular‐weight dextran was strongly implicated as a causative factor in major complications. These cases and their background are reviewed. Guidelines for the safe administration of this agent in patients post free‐tissue transfer are discussed.