ArticlePlastic surgery (Oakville, Ont.)2021
Canadian Postoperative Dependency Protocols Following Lower Limb Microvascular Reconstruction: A National Survey and Literature Review.
Article in Plastic surgery (Oakville, Ont.), 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed, 8 citations in OpenAlex.
- Physical and Psychological Burden of Bed Rest on Patients Following Free Flap Reconstruction of the Lower Limb: A Systematic Review and Possible Solutions.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
- Evidence-Based Approaches to Anticoagulation in Reconstructive Microsurgery-A Systematic Literature Review.Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionMicrosurgical free tissue transfer for lower limb reconstruction presents unique challenges in the postoperative period where dependency promotes interstitial fluid diffusion and reduced tissue perfusion. Management of flap edema, venous congestion, and ischaemic conditioning is critical for flap survival. Little evidence exists to guide postoperative protocols in the initiation and progression of lower extremity dangle, monitoring, and anticoagulation. We aim to describe current trends for postoperative dependency protocols by surveying Canadian microsurgeons.
methodsPlastic surgeons performing lower limb microvascular reconstruction at Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of Canada approved teaching institutions were administered a 17-question anonymous electronic survey. A literature review was conducted to identify protocols and consensus opinions in other jurisdictions.
resultsAll respondents (n = 16) monitored flaps clinically, with conventional Doppler used by 13 respondents. Anticoagulation was employed by 15 of 16 respondents, and 9 of 16 used 2 or more agents. The most common agents were aspirin, followed by low-molecular-weight heparin. Significant variability existed in dangling protocols. Dependency was initiated at postoperative day (POD) 3 to 10 (mean POD: 6 ± 1.64 standard deviation), with intervals ranging from 5 to 20 minutes and frequencies ranging from 1 to 6 times per day. Nearly half allowed both increasing duration and frequency of dependency. Flap success rates were above 90%, and the median length of stay was 10 to 12 days.
conclusionWhile flap success rates across the country are similar, no consensus exists for postoperative dependency protocols amongst Canadian microsurgeons. Prospective randomised controlled trials are warranted to evaluate early aggressive dependency protocols to reduce length of stay and cost.
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Registered trials
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