ANTITHROMBOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN MICROSURGERY

Background. The most common complication of microsurgical reconstruction is graft failure secondary to thrombosis. It is clear that thromboprophylaxis is helpful for a successful microsurgery. However, it's also obvious that thrombosis can't be avoided in cases of poor microsurgical technique. There is no consensus regarding the use of anticoagulation therapy during and after microsurgery. The authors compared two different antithrombotic prophylaxis protocols used in the past ten years, and analyzed the effectiveness and risks of different pharmacological protocols. Materials and methods. The authors performed a retrospective review of microsurgical patients operated between 2005-2014 by the same surgical team. 37 patients (Group A) operated between 2005-2010 and 45 patients (Group B) operated between 2011-2014 were selected. The majority of patients had generic and specific risk factors. Different thromboprophylaxis therapies were used in the two groups. While reviewing medical records, the authors compared Hb values before and after surgery, the free flap success rate, the need for blood transfusions intra and post-op in order to assess the efficacy (failure rate), and safety of the administered antithrombotic therapies (bleeding complications). Results. The pharmacological protocol used for the patients from Group B was more effective and less risky compared to results obtained from Group A. The therapy used in Group B did not increase the risk of bleeding and postoperative blood loss, and the flap success rate in Group B was significantly higher than that of Group A (p<0.000). Discussion and Conclusion. This study suggests that even in a perfect microanastomosis, prothrombotic mechanisms are activated, which lead to flap failure. A reasoned and balanced drug therapy can counteract the natural tendency of pedicle thrombosis, without exposing the patient to bleeding complications. Vasoactive drugs, although still experimental in microsurgery, may be used in the near future in order to further improve the success rates of free flaps