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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Is the preoperative MPV value related to early thrombus formation in microvascular anastomosis?
Cengiz Eser1, Safak Eser2, Eyuphan Gencel1
1a Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery , Cukurova University Medical Faculty , Saricam , Adana , Turkey ;
Objective:
One of the most common encountered problems in free flap surgeries is anastomotic thrombosis. The mean platelet volume (MPV) may indicate the concentration of intra-platelet proactive substances and the thrombogenic potential of the platelets. MPV is used as a clinical monitoring index in routine blood counts, it has not yet been effectively used in free flap surgery.
Methods:
This study evaluates the relationship between the preoperative MPV value and anastomotic thrombus formation during the postoperative 48 hours in 32 free flap operations from September 2013 to September 2014. The mean patient age was 36.75 years. The preoperative MPV value, which was obtained from the complete blood count, was recorded and correlation of MPV and postoperative thrombus formation was investigated.
Results:
Four anastomotic thrombus were encountered in 34 free flaps during the postoperative 48 hours. Two of them were salvaged by performing thrombectomy and/or administration of i.v. heparin. There was no statistical relationship between MPV value and postoperative thrombus formation during 48 hours follow-up (p = 0.925).
Conclusion:
Even though this study didn't find a correlation between preoperative MPV value and postoperative early anastomotic thrombus, it would be helpful to validate the results using multi-centre and comprehensive studies with larger patient cohorts.
Insights
This study found no link between preoperative mean platelet volume (MPV) and early anastomotic thrombosis in free flap surgery. Further multi-center studies are needed to confirm these findings on thrombosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Hematology
Background:
- Anastomotic thrombosis is a frequent complication in free flap surgery.
- Mean platelet volume (MPV) reflects platelet reactivity and thrombogenic potential.
- MPV is a routine blood count parameter but its role in free flap surgery is under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between preoperative mean platelet volume (MPV) and the occurrence of anastomotic thrombus in the early postoperative period following free flap surgery.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 34 free flap operations was conducted between September 2013 and September 2014.
- Preoperative MPV values were recorded from complete blood counts.
- The correlation between MPV and postoperative anastomotic thrombus formation within 48 hours was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Four cases of anastomotic thrombus occurred within 48 hours post-surgery.
- Two of these thrombi were successfully treated with thrombectomy and/or heparin.
- No statistically significant relationship was found between preoperative MPV and early anastomotic thrombus formation (p=0.925).
Conclusions:
- The study did not establish a correlation between preoperative MPV and early anastomotic thrombosis in free flap procedures.
- Larger, multi-center studies are recommended to further validate these findings and explore potential predictive markers for thrombosis.
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