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

Abstract

Given the high stakes for microvascular reconstruction, the majority of reconstructive surgeons have developed paradigms for pre, intra, and postoperative management that have proven to result in individual high success rates. Much has been done to identify and avoid perioperative factors that could potentially increase flap failure rates. Two example of this practice has been the generalized use of anticoagulation in free tissue transfer and the prohibition against vasopressor use in patients that are undergoing free tissue transfer. This manuscript will discuss these issues.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Head and neck cancer; Microvascular reconstruction; Reconstruction; Vassopressor.