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A clinical audit on the effect of suction drainage on microvascular anastomosis
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dresden University Hospital, Germany.
Introduction:
There are reports that thrombosis in microsurgically anastomosed vessels occurred after the vessels were drawn into the suction drains.
Aim:
To study the effects of suction drainage on microvascular anastomosis.
Patients And Methods:
The authors compared the proportion of complications in 77 patients who had suction drainage (n=45) or no suction drainage (n=32) with microvascular free flap surgery in the head and neck region. Ultrasonography and Doppler flow ultrasonography were performed on five more patients 3 days after the operation.
Results:
There were no significant differences between the two retrospectively evaluated groups for incidence of postoperative complications. Ultrasound in the prospective study group revealed that vessels were neither sucked into the suction drain nor displaced towards the drain.
Conclusion:
These findings contravened the reports of vessels being sucked into drains and therefore the clinical use of suction drainage in conjunction with microsurgery in the head and neck region is still advocated.
Insights
Suction drainage does not increase complications in head and neck microsurgery. Ultrasound confirmed that vessels were not drawn into drains, supporting the continued use of suction drainage with microvascular anastomosis.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Reports suggest thrombosis in microsurgically anastomosed vessels may occur if vessels are drawn into suction drains.
- This study investigates the potential risks associated with suction drainage in microvascular procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of suction drainage on microvascular anastomosis outcomes.
- To determine if suction drainage increases the incidence of complications in head and neck free flap surgery.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective comparison of 77 patients undergoing head and neck free flap surgery, with 45 using suction drainage and 32 not.
- Prospective ultrasonography and Doppler flow ultrasonography were performed on five patients post-operatively.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in postoperative complication rates was observed between groups with and without suction drainage.
- Ultrasound imaging showed no instances of vessels being drawn into or displaced towards suction drains.
Conclusions:
- The study findings contradict previous reports of vessels being drawn into drains.
- Suction drainage is deemed safe and clinically advocated for use in conjunction with microsurgery in the head and neck region.