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Flap Monitoring

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Complex Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery

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Abstract

Free tissue transfer, a complex surgical procedure, carries a considerable risk of complications and morbidity when flap failure occurs. However, by promptly identifying signs and symptoms indicating problems with the microvascular anastomosis, potential issues can be addressed early on, potentially preventing the need for further extensive surgeries and ensuring successful salvage of the flap. In this chapter, various techniques and devices designed to monitor the viability of the flap during the early postoperative period are thoroughly examined. These methods aid in the assessment of flap perfusion, oxygenation, and overall viability. Examples include Doppler ultrasound, near-infrared spectroscopy, and clinical observation. By employing these monitoring tools, surgeons can detect potential complications at an early stage, enabling timely intervention and improving the overall outcomes of free tissue transfer procedures. The chapter sheds light on the importance of vigilance in postoperative care and highlights the value of monitoring techniques in preventing flap failure and minimizing associated morbidity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    Madeleine P. Strohl

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, Oklahoma University-Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

    Rusha Patel

  3. Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Elizabeth A. Nicolli

Authors
  1. Madeleine P. Strohl
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  2. Rusha Patel
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  3. Elizabeth A. Nicolli
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth A. Nicolli .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, AQ Surgery: Head and Neck, Microvascular Institute, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

    Anastasiya Quimby

  2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surg, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Sat Parmar

  3. College of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Rui Fernandes

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Strohl, M.P., Patel, R., Nicolli, E.A. (2023). Flap Monitoring. In: Quimby, A., Parmar, S., Fernandes, R. (eds) Complex Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38898-9_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38898-9_9

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