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J Reconstr Microsurg 2003; 19(7): 463-466
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-44634
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Is Dextran Infusion as an Antithrombotic Agent Necessary in Microvascular Reconstruction of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract?

Tzong-Bor Sun1 , Sou-Hsin Chien1 , Jiunn-Tat Lee1 , Li-Fu Cheng1 , Lee-Ping Hsu2 , Peir-Rong Chen2
  • 1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital and School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
  • 2Department of Otolaryngology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital and School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Publication Date:
24 November 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Patent microvascular anastomoses are mandatory for a successful free tissue transfer. Dextran 40 is widely used by reconstructive microsurgeons in conjunction with free tissue transfer, to prevent flap loss. Unfortunately, dextran-induced adverse reactions, such as anaphylactoid reactions, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac overload, hemorrhage, and renal damage, remain the major risks in routine use of dextran 40. The authors retrospectively analyzed the patency rates of 55 microvascular tissue transfers of a single microsurgeon after tumor ablation of malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract between August, 1997 and March, 2001. The patency rates of free flap reconstructions were 96 percent for the dextran-infusion group and 100 percent for the dextran-free group. There was no statistically significant difference between the patency rates of these two groups. The results showed that the routine use of dextran as an antithrombotic agent is not necessary in microvascular reconstruction. The disadvantages of dextran infusion can be effectively prevented.

KEYWORDS

Dextran - microvascular reconstruction - head and neck

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