Objectives

  The aim of this prospective study was to determine laboratory parameters predicting complications and/or failure in flap surgery.

 Study Design

 Fifty-seven patients undergoing reconstructive surgery with cutaneous free and pedicled flaps were included. Blood samples were taken 2 days before surgery and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after. Parameters associated with thrombophilia, bleeding disorders, and wound healing were determined.

  Results

  In 45 (77%) of 57 patients no complications occurred. Bleeding (9%) and venous thrombosis of the flaps (9%) led in 18% of the cases to surgical revisions. Activated protein C resistance showed a significant (P < .05) cluster in cases with venous thrombosis, whereas it was absent in all other cases. Fibrinogen, factor VIII:C, von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity, and VWF antigen were significantly (P < .05) higher in patients with venous thrombosis compared with all other patients.

 Conclusions

  Laboratory parameters of thrombosis and bleeding appear to be associated with complications in flap surgery.

 Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology

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