Salvage of a free flap after late total thrombosis of the flap and revascularisation

Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg. 2004;38(1):50-2. doi: 10.1080/02844310310007872.

Abstract

We report a case of successful salvage of a free flap after a late total venous thrombosis. A free forearm flap was used to cover an exposed plate over the ankle. After a normal postoperative course, the patient suddenly developed a total venous thrombosis on day 11. Nevertheless the flap was salvaged completely. This event raises further questions about the revascularisation process, which is commonly thought to occur in 7-8 days.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bone Plates / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Leeches
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / etiology
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery*
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Surgical Flaps / adverse effects*
  • Surgical Flaps / blood supply
  • Teicoplanin / therapeutic use
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology
  • Venous Thrombosis / physiopathology
  • Venous Thrombosis / therapy*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / surgery

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Teicoplanin