J Reconstr Microsurg 2020; 36(07): 514-521
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709479
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Role of Duplex Ultrasound in Microsurgical Reconstruction: Review and Technical Considerations

1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea
2   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
,
Jin Geun Kwon
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea
,
Changsik John Pak
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea
,
Hyunsuk Peter Suh
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea
,
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

23 November 2019

12 February 2020

Publication Date:
29 April 2020 (online)

Abstract

Background With the technological advances, microsurgery has evolved to the era of supermicrosurgery since its inception. With the popularization of these flaps, proficiency in using tools such as color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) has become crucial. Despite the increased interest, studies regarding the role of ultrasound in microsurgical reconstruction are scarce. Therefore, in this study, we discussed currently available imaging modalities for reconstructive surgeons, types of ultrasound, and the role of ultrasound in microsurgical reconstruction, and made recommendations for ultrasound use in reconstructive surgery.

Methods We performed a computerized search of ultrasound in reconstructive surgery using the MEDLINE database. Data regarding ultrasound indications, usage, and outcomes were collected.

Results Of the 115 articles identified, the majority was written on nonreconstructive ultrasound uses (51.4%). For the reconstructive uses, mapping of perforators was the most common usage (39.1%), followed by flap monitoring and volume measurement. In addition, we found that there are a limited number of literature on the role of CDU in reconstructive surgery, especially on its intraoperative and postoperative use.

Conclusion CDU is a valuable and powerful tool for any reconstructive surgeons who are interested in performing microsurgery or supermicrosurgery. As the demand of customized flaps using superthin flaps, perforator-to-perforator anastomosis, and supermicrosurgery increases, understanding and becoming versatile in CDU will be critical. We hope our experience with using ultrasound and refinements that we made are helpful for those who would like to include it as a part of their armamentarium.

Authors' Contributions

M.J.C. conceptualized and designed the study, drafted the initial manuscript, and approved the final manuscript as submitted. J.G.K. gathered data and video for the manuscript as well as take part in the draft. H.Y.S. and J.P.H. conceptualized and designed the study, critically revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript as submitted. All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.


 
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