Hemodynamic Changes in Paramedian Forehead Flap.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The paramedian forehead flap is crucial for nasal reconstruction.
• Vascular complications can compromise flap survival.
• Objective assessment of flap hemodynamics is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively evaluate blood flow and hemodynamic changes in paramedian forehead flaps.
• To determine the influence of age, gender, and smoking on flap blood flow.
• To establish baseline hemodynamic data for nasal reconstruction flaps.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 30 patients undergoing paramedian forehead flap surgery.
• Blood flow assessed using resistance index via Color Duplex-Doppler Ultrasonography.
• Resistance index measured at proximal and distal flap ends on postoperative days 1, 7, and 14.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant decrease in resistance index observed from proximal to distal flap ends (P < 0.001).
• Resistance index values showed a gradual decrease over the early postoperative period.
• No statistically significant negative impact of age, gender, or smoking on resistance index values.

Conclusions:

• Blood flow in paramedian forehead flaps demonstrates progressive improvement postoperatively.
• Age, gender, and smoking do not adversely affect blood flow in well-designed flaps.
• Color Duplex-Doppler Ultrasonography provides objective hemodynamic assessment for flap monitoring.