J Reconstr Microsurg 2023; 39(06): 482-492
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760109
Original Article

Association of Dual Venous Anastomosis with Reduced Risks for Flap Congestion in Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study

Sang-Hun Lee
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Kyeong-Tae Lee*
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Bo Young Park*
2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
› Author Affiliations
Preview

Abstract

Background Flap congestion related with venous thrombosis is a major cause for microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction failure. Conducting dual venous anastomosis has been suggested to reduce risks for the adverse outcomes; however, its efficacy remains controversial. This study evaluated a potential association of dual venous anastomosis with the development of flap congestion in diverse clinical situations.

Methods This multicenter study included patients who underwent microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction at two institutions. They were divided into two groups based on the number of venous anastomoses—single and dual groups. Their perfusion-related complications (PRCs), including total/partial flap loss, arterial or venous insufficiency, and emergent reoperation, were compared. Independent association of the number of venous anastomoses with the outcomes was evaluated. Further analyses were conducted using propensity score matching.

Results In total, 225 cases were analyzed, of which 92 were included in the single group and the other 133 in the dual group. The two groups had generally similar baseline characteristics. The dual group presented significantly lower rates of PRC, including total/partial flap loss, flap congestion, and emergent reoperation. Multivariable analyses showed that conducting dual venous anastomoses was associated with reduced risks for the development of overall PRC and flap congestion. These associations were more prominent when restricting analyses for cases with chronic wound and trauma (vs. oncologic defects). Similar associations were observed in the propensity score matching analysis.

Conclusion Conducting dual venous anastomosis seems associated with reduced risks for flap congestion in microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction, especially for cases with unfavorable conditions.

* These two authors are co-corresponding authors.




Publication History

Received: 19 April 2022

Accepted: 31 October 2022

Article published online:
29 December 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA