title: The use of dextran post free tissue transfer.
abstract: Dextran has been used in microsurgery to reduce the risk of free tissue transfer loss. A number of regimens which vary considerably in dosage and timing have been published in the literature. Using a postal questionnaire, a survey was conducted to delineate the current practise of UK plastic surgeons. Data were received from 161 plastic surgeons in 51 units (response rate of 61%). Forty-five percent of microsurgeons routinely use dextran post-operatively whilst 29% use alternative thromboprophylaxis. The indications, post-operative regimes and duration of administration of dextran vary significantly amongst surgeons and units. The reported success rates of free tissue transfer and digital replants were 97 and 85.1%, respectively, and was not significantly affected by the use of dextran. We conclude that there is considerable variation amongst UK plastic surgeons regarding thromboprophylaxis post microsurgery. Our data suggest that the use of dextrans does not affect free tissue transfer success rates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK. hyder_ridha@hotmail.com
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ridha
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jallali
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Butler
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003911:Dextrans / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005385:Fingers / Q000601:surgery; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000517:prevention & control; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012092:Replantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006113:United Kingdom; D014654:Vascular Patency
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D003911:Dextrans