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Postoperative monitoring of free flaps in UK plastic surgery units
Author(s) -
Jallali N.,
Ridha H.,
Butler P.E.
Publication year - 2005
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.20148
Subject(s) - medicine , plastic surgery , surgery , protocol (science) , laser doppler velocimetry , microsurgery , free flap , radiology , blood flow , alternative medicine , pathology
Abstract Monitoring free‐tissue transfers in the postoperative period is valuable for detection of failing flaps. As well as conventional methods, a myriad of sophisticated techniques have been reported in the literature. Using a postal questionnaire, a survey was conducted to delineate current protocols employed in UK plastic surgery units. Data were received from 148 plastic surgeons in 51 units. All surgeons used clinical assessment, although there was significant disparity in the duration and frequency of postoperative monitoring. Adjuvant techniques such as laser Doppler flowmetry were routinely used by less than 20% of surgeons. We conclude that there is considerable variation in postoperative monitoring of free flaps, with significant clinical and resource implications. A protocol based on robust evidence is thus recommended. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 25:469–472, 2005.