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Review
. 2019 Feb;33(1):5-12.
doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1676824. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Perioperative Care of Free Flap Patients

Aurora Vincent  1 , Raja Sawhney  2 , Yadranko Ducic  3
Affiliations
Review

Perioperative Care of Free Flap Patients

Aurora Vincent et al. Semin Plast Surg. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Microvascular free tissue transfer is an indispensable reconstructive option in head and neck reconstruction. Flap failure is relatively rare, but it is nonetheless very morbid and psychologically devastating to patients when it does occur. Further, complications after free tissue transfer to the head and neck remain common. There are numerous ongoing debates about various facets of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck, all ultimately searching for the optimal treatment algorithm to further improve flap success, minimize complications, and maximize patient outcomes. Herein, the authors review current literature surrounding optimal preoperative nutritional support, intraoperative vasopressor use, perioperative fluid management, use of antithrombotic agents, antibiotic use, and other facets of the care of head and neck free flap patients to provide a guide to surgeons.

Keywords: free tissue transfer; head and neck reconstruction; perioperative care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

References

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