title: Vasopressors and reconstructive flap perfusion: a review of the literature comparing the effects of various pharmacologic agents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Use of intraoperative vasopressors is of debate in microvascular surgery. Anesthesia is an important factor in maintaining the rate of success of flap transfer by affecting regional blood flow and global hemodynamics. We conducted a review of the literature comparing the use of different vasoactive agents on different flaps in various human and animal models.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the literature was performed. Bibliographies of key articles were also reviewed for additional resources. Analysis was done to determine the overall trend of how flap perfusion is affected by the use of intraoperative vasoactive medication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature search identified 16 relevant articles. Flaps were studied in pigs in 7 studies, rats in 5, and humans in 4. The most common flap was the rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. Phenylephrine and norepinephrine were the most common pressor agents used. No significant statistical changes were noted in 8 of the 16 studies; initial ischemia followed by delayed improved perfusion was observed in 4 studies, "true ischemia" and hypoperfusion of the skin flaps was noted in 3. There was no consistency in their effect on flap perfusion: initial ischemia followed by delayed improved perfusion was observed in 4 studies, whereas true ischemia and hypoperfusion of the skin flaps was noted in 3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To date, there is no reliable prospective clinical evidence that supports the absolute contraindication of pressor agents during free flap surgery. This topic will continue to be a matter for debate until more definitive data can be obtained.
authors.affiliation: From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Ahmed M S
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.forename: Peter S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Amr N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Rabie
authors.forename: Bernard T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Samuel J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents