A survey of microvascular protocols for lower-extremity free tissue transfer I: perioperative anticoagulation.
Reconstruction of the lower extremity using free tissue transfer is performed throughout the country by numerous surgical teams. However, no established protocol exists for the use of anticoagulation in the perioperative period. The present study sought to analyze trends in current protocols regarding perioperative anticoagulation for lower-extremity free flap reconstruction. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons were surveyed with regard to their preferences for perioperative anticoagulation in conjunction with lower-extremity free tissue transfer. The results demonstrated tremendous variability in both the agents used and therapeutic periods employed. They highlighted the absence of 1 or more common anticoagulation protocols and tried to establish common trends in the use of such agents.
Xipoleas
George
G
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Levine
Elie
E
Silver
Lester
L
Koch
R Michael
RM
Taub
Peter J
PJ
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects; D008866:Microsurgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000098:blood supply*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants