Monitoring of free TRAM flaps with microdialysis

The aim of this investigation was to follow the metabolism of free TRAM flaps using microdialysis. Microdialysis is a new sampling technique that provide opportunities to follow the biochemistry in specific organs or tissues. A double-lumen microdialysis catheter or probe, with a dialysis membrane at the end, is introduced into the specific tissue. Perfusion fluid is slowly pumped through the catheter and equilibrates across the membrane with surrounding extracellular concentrations of low molecular weight substances. The dialysate is collected in microvials and analyzed by an instrument using very small volumes. Glucose, glycerol, and lactate concentrations were measured in the flaps and compared with those in a reference catheter that was placed subcutaneously in the femur. The investigation continued 72 hr postoperatively. The study group consisted of 14 women who underwent reconstruction with a free TRAM flap, and one woman with a double TRAM flap. During flap ischemia, the concentration of glucose was reduced, while the lactate and glycerol levels increased. The differences between the flaps and controls were statistically highly significant. After reperfusion of the flaps, the concentrations of glucose, lactate, and glycerol approached normal. One flap failed because of an arterial anastomosis thrombosis. This was clearly demonstrated by the samples from the microdialysis: the concentration of glucose fell to an unmeasurable level; the concentration of lactate increased for a period before it stopped due to lack of glucose; and the concentration of glycerol increased to a very high level, probably because ischemia caused damage to the cell membranes of which glycerol is an important part. The authors concluded that microdialysis can detect ischemia in free flaps at an early stage, making early surgical intervention possible.