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Semin Plast Surg 2010; 24(3): 281-287
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1263069
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Postoperative Care and Monitoring of the Reconstructed Head and Neck Patient

Christopher J. Salgado1 , Harvey Chim1 , Shayla Schoenoff2 , Samir Mardini2
  • 1Department of Plastic Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
  • 2Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 August 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Reconstruction of head and neck patients using free tissue transfer is perhaps the most challenging of areas in the human body. Although complications are inevitable in a percentage of patients, it is good postoperative care and monitoring that determines the success or failure of the reconstruction and also permits early salvage of a failing free flap. Teamwork and cooperation among members of the reconstructive team are critical. Here we review the significance of clinical care and monitoring of reconstructed head and neck patients in the intraoperative and postoperative periods. We also review different techniques and strategies for flap monitoring and anticoagulation used for free tissue transfers.

KEYWORDS

Free flap - implantable Doppler - monitoring - thrombosis

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Christopher J SalgadoM.D. 

Department of Plastic Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland

MS 5044, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106

Email: christopher.salgado@uhhospitals.org

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