Perioperative Care of Free Flap Patients: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Failure of a free flap can occur unpredictably with devastating consequences for the patient. Microvascular surgeons have developed perioperative protocols designed to mitigate the risk of flap failure. Such protocols are highly variable and generally lack consensus. This review aimed to provide the microsurgeon with a current map of the evidence in key aspects of the perioperative care of free flap patients, which can be used to inform clinical decision-making.

Methods

A multidatabase scoping review was conducted to identify free flap articles. The articles were then reviewed to determine if they met inclusion criteria. Included articles were then critically appraised and assigned a corresponding level of evidence in accordance with the American Academy of Orthop

SUBMITTER: Lalonde SP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12510157 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature