Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor-An Innovative Indicator for Free Flap Ischemia after Microsurgical...

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive Surgery
• Vascular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Microsurgical free flaps are standard in reconstructive surgery.
• Microanastomosis thrombosis is a critical postoperative complication.
• Monitoring flap perfusion involves clinical evaluation, technical devices, and laboratory markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) in predicting vascular complications after microsurgical free flap reconstruction.
• To assess MIF as a potential indicator for microanastomosis thrombosis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 26 patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction.
• Monitoring of clinical data, blood leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), and MIF levels.
• Comparison of MIF levels between patients with and without surgical revision for thrombosis.

Main Results:

• Postoperative increases in MIF, CRP, and leukocyte levels were observed.
• Patients requiring surgical revision for microanastomosis thrombosis exhibited significantly higher MIF levels.
• MIF levels correlated with the occurrence of thrombosis.

Conclusions:

• Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) shows potential as an innovative indicator for microanastomosis thrombosis post-free flap surgery.
• MIF is a readily obtainable diagnostic marker.
• MIF can serve as an additional tool for monitoring flap perfusion alongside existing methods.