Advancements in free flap monitoring in the last decade: a critical review.
BACKGROUND
The authors conducted a review of the recent literature on the monitoring of free flaps to create an overview of the current monitoring devices and their potential as an ideal monitoring method.


METHODS
A literature-based study was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane databases. The following search terms were used: "flap" and "monitoring." All monitoring methods found between January of 1999 and January of 2009 were evaluated. Monitoring methods that were described in five or more clinical reports were further investigated.


RESULTS
The advantages and disadvantages of conventional monitoring methods, the implantable Doppler system, color duplex sonography, near-infrared spectroscopy, microdialysis, and laser Doppler flowmetry are presented. Furthermore, an overview is given of their potential as ideal monitoring method.


CONCLUSIONS
The implantable Doppler system, near-infrared spectroscopy, and laser Doppler flowmetry appear to be the best monitoring devices currently available. As most of the publications on monitoring have focused on the reliability of the systems, future research should also address their cost efficiency.
Smit
Jeroen M
JM
Groningen, The Netherlands; and Uppsala, Sweden From the Department of Plastic Surgery and the Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen; and Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital.
Zeebregts
Clark J
CJ
Acosta
Rafael
R
Werker
Paul M N
PMN
D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D017551:Microdialysis; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex