J Reconstr Microsurg 2020; 36(04): 271-275
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3401846
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Outcomes of Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction in Hypercoagulable Patients

Trang T. Nguyen
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
,
Katie G. Egan
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
,
Danielle L. Crowe
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
,
Niaman Nazir
2   Department of Preventative Medicine and Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
,
Wojciech H. Przylecki
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
,
Brian T. Andrews
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

17 May 2019

28 October 2019

Publication Date:
13 December 2019 (online)

Abstract

Background Inherited coagulopathies and previous thrombotic events are often considered relative contraindications to microvascular reconstruction. We hypothesize that with planning, head and neck microvascular reconstruction can be successfully performed in hypercoagulable individuals.

Methods A retrospective review was conducted of subjects with coagulopathies or previous thrombotic events who underwent microvascular head and neck reconstruction. Outcomes studied were “flap-related complications” (arterial/venous compromise or flap loss) and “patient-related complications” (hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, infection, stroke, or death).

Results One hundred thirty-four microvascular flaps were performed in 117 subjects. Twenty-four subjects (20.5%) had a preoperative hypercoagulable condition and underwent 28 microvascular reconstructions. Twenty-three of 24 subjects had a previous thrombotic event, with five subjects identified with an inherited or acquired coagulopathy. All microvascular reconstructions were successful; however, complications occurred in 12 of 28 reconstructions (42.9%). Complications were “flap related” in four reconstructions (14.3%), “patient related” in nine reconstructions (32.1%), and both in one reconstruction (3.6%). Flap-related complications included small partial flap loss (n = 2), arterial compromise (n = 1), and venous compromise (n = 1), with all undergoing successful salvage. Patient-related complications included hematoma (n = 3), pulmonary embolism (n = 2), infection (n = 2), deep venous thrombosis (n = 1), and death (n = 1). Statistical analysis demonstrated that complications were more common in subjects with inferior vena cava filters (p = 0.06) and hematomas were associated with the use of therapeutic heparin infusion (p = 0.04).

Conclusion Microvascular head and neck reconstruction can be successfully performed in hypercoagulable subjects. However, patient-related complications remain a concern in these subjects.

Note

This study was presented at the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting 2019, Palm Desert, California.


 
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