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J Reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2483-5207
Original Article

The Impact of Perioperative Blood Transfusion on Flap Survival: A Single-Center Review of Limb Salvage in the Trauma Setting

Devon O'Brien
1   Keck School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Asli Pekcan
1   Keck School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Eloise Stanton 
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Idean Roohani
1   Keck School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Paige Zachary
1   Keck School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Neil Parikh
1   Keck School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
David A. Daar
1   Keck School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Joseph N. Carey
1   Keck School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Background Limb salvage following traumatic lower extremity (LE) injury often necessitates blood transfusion for adequate tissue perfusion. Appropriate transfusion decision-making via a risk–benefit analysis could maximize the opportunity for flap survival. This study aims to examine the impact of perioperative blood transfusion on postoperative complications in traumatic LE reconstruction.

Methods A retrospective review was conducted at a level 1 trauma center on patients who underwent LE reconstruction between January 2007 and October 2023. Patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative blood transfusions, flap characteristics, and postoperative complications were recorded. Outcomes investigated included postoperative amputation rates, infection, partial flap necrosis, and flap loss. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the impact of patient factors on flap necrosis.

Results In total, 234 flaps met inclusion criteria. Of these, 149 cases (63.7%) received no transfusion during their hospital stay (Tf − ) and 85 cases (36.3%) received at least one unit of packed red blood cells intraoperatively through 48 hours following flap placement (Tf + ). Overall flap survival rates were similar across both cohorts (Tf + : 92.9 vs. Tf − : 96.6%, p = 0.198). The Tf+ cohort had significantly higher rates of partial flap necrosis (12.9 vs. 2.0.%, p < 0.001), amputation (6.0 vs. 0.7%, p = 0.015), and postoperative hardware infection (10.6 vs. 2.7%, p = 0.011) relative to the Tf− cohort. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that transfusion status was independently associated with a 5.1 fold increased risk of flap necrosis (p = 0.033).

Conclusion Transfusions administered intraoperatively through the acute postoperative period were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of flap necrosis. Surgeons should consider a conservative transfusion protocol to optimize flap viability in patients with traumatic LE injuries.

Keywords

transfusion - lower extremity - free flap - amputation - limb salvage - reconstruction


Publication History

Received: 22 May 2024

Accepted: 10 November 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
25 November 2024

Article published online:
26 December 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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