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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
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Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk Stratification.
Sumi Sinha1, Sidharth V Puram1, Rosh K V Sethi1
11 Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Summary
Head and neck cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery face deep venous thrombosis (DVT) risks. This study found similar DVT rates for free and pedicled flap reconstructions, suggesting reconstructive strategy may not significantly alter risk.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing reconstructive surgery are at risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
- The risk profile for DVT in patients undergoing major flap reconstruction is highly variable.
- Understanding DVT risk is crucial for optimizing perioperative care in head and neck oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the perioperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence in head and neck cancer patients.
- To compare DVT risk between free and pedicled flap reconstructive surgeries.
- To identify factors influencing DVT risk in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 517 head and neck cancer patients.
- Inclusion of patients who underwent free (n=384) or pedicled (n=133) flap reconstructions from 2011-2014.
- Comparison of DVT incidence and operative times between free and pedicled flap groups.
Main Results:
- Nine patients (1.7%) developed perioperative DVTs.
- Free flap reconstructions had a longer mean operative time (421.4 min) compared to pedicled flaps (332.7 min).
- DVT incidence was not significantly different between free flap (1.6%) and pedicled flap (2.2%) patients (P = .28).
Conclusions:
- Perioperative DVT risk appears similar for head and neck cancer patients undergoing either free or pedicled flap reconstruction.
- Reconstructive strategy alone may not be a significant determinant of DVT risk in these patients.
- Further research may explore other contributing factors to DVT in head and neck cancer surgery.
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