Semin Plast Surg 2023; 37(01): 057-072
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760381
Review Article

Chemoprophylaxis and Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Microvascular Surgery

Fatemeh Mirzamohammadi
1   Wright State University Plastic Surgery Residency Program, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio
,
Ogonna N. Nnamani Silva
2   Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Rebecca K. Leaf
3   Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Kyle R. Eberlin
4   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Ian L. Valerio
4   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

This review aims to highlight the common pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions utilized for thromboprophylaxis as well as flap salvage in microsurgery. A literature review was conducted in PubMed/National Center for Biotechnology Information, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases. Articles with a focus on thromboprophylaxis in microsurgical procedures spanning head and neck surgery, breast and extremity microvascular reconstruction, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolus in microvascular surgery, and flap thrombosis and salvage were included in this review. The majority of available evidence supports mechanical venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in all patients undergoing microsurgery given the presence of multiple risk factors for VTE within this particular patient population. Based on the literature review, addition of VTE chemoprophylactic agents is beneficial and an algorithmic approach to thromboprophylaxis in microsurgery patients and management of patients with thrombosis based on literature review and senior authors' experience is recommended and outlined.



Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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

 
  • References

  • 1 O'Donnell M, Linkins LA, Kearon C, Julian J, Hirsh J. Reduction of out-of-hospital symptomatic venous thromboembolism by extended thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin following elective hip arthroplasty: a systematic review. Arch Intern Med 2003; 163 (11) 1362-1366
  • 2 Stevens SM, Woller SC, Kreuziger LB. et al. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: second update of the CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Chest 2021; 160 (06) e545-e608
  • 3 Caprini JA, Arcelus JI, Reyna JJ. Effective risk stratification of surgical and nonsurgical patients for venous thromboembolic disease. Semin Hematol 2001; 38 (2, Suppl 5): 12-19
  • 4 Hatef DA, Kenkel JM, Nguyen MQ. et al. Thromboembolic risk assessment and the efficacy of enoxaparin prophylaxis in excisional body contouring surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 2008; 122 (01) 269-279
  • 5 Pannucci CJ, Bailey SH, Dreszer G. et al. Validation of the Caprini risk assessment model in plastic and reconstructive surgery patients. J Am Coll Surg 2011; 212 (01) 105-112
  • 6 Wilkins EG, Pannucci CJ, Bailey SH. et al. Preliminary report on the PSEF Venous Thromoboembolism Prevention Study (VTEPS): validation of the Caprini risk assessment model in plastic and reconstructive surgery patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2010; 126: 107-108
  • 7 Pannucci CJ, Wachtman CF, Dreszer G. et al. The effect of postoperative enoxaparin on risk for reoperative hematoma. Plast Reconstr Surg 2012; 129 (01) 160-168
  • 8 Pannucci CJ, Dreszer G, Wachtman CF. et al. Postoperative enoxaparin prevents symptomatic venous thromboembolism in high-risk plastic surgery patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2011; 128 (05) 1093-1103
  • 9 Kim SY, Lee KT, Mun GH. Postoperative venous insufficiency in microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction and deep vein thrombosis potential as assessed by a Caprini risk assessment model. Plast Reconstr Surg 2015; 136 (05) 1094-1102
  • 10 Vane JR, Botting RM. The mechanism of action of aspirin. Thromb Res 2003; 110 (5-6): 255-258
  • 11 Becattini C, Agnelli G, Schenone A. et al; WARFASA Investigators. Aspirin for preventing the recurrence of venous thromboembolism. N Engl J Med 2012; 366 (21) 1959-1967
  • 12 Lighthall JG, Cain R, Ghanem TA, Wax MK. Effect of postoperative aspirin on outcomes in microvascular free tissue transfer surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2013; 148 (01) 40-46
  • 13 Disa JJ, Polvora VP, Pusic AL, Singh B, Cordeiro PG. Dextran-related complications in head and neck microsurgery: do the benefits outweigh the risks? A prospective randomized analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg 2003; 112 (06) 1534-1539
  • 14 Buntic RF, Brooks D, Buncke HJ, Buncke GM. Dextran-related complications in head and neck microsurgery: do the benefits outweigh the risks?. Plast Reconstr Surg 2004; 114 (04) 1008 , author reply 1008–1009
  • 15 Lee KT, Jeon BJ, Lim SY. et al. The effects of ketorolac on microvascular thrombosis in lower extremity reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 2012; 129 (06) 1322-1327
  • 16 Schleiffarth JR, Bayon R, Chang KE, Van Daele DJ, Pagedar NA. Ketorolac after free tissue transfer: a comparative effectiveness study. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2014; 123 (06) 446-449
  • 17 Björk I, Lindahl U. Mechanism of the anticoagulant action of heparin. Mol Cell Biochem 1982; 48 (03) 161-182
  • 18 Xipoleas G, Levine E, Silver L, Koch RM, Taub PJ. A survey of microvascular protocols for lower-extremity free tissue transfer I: perioperative anticoagulation. Ann Plast Surg 2007; 59 (03) 311-315
  • 19 Pannucci CJ, Kovach SJ, Cuker A. Microsurgery and the hypercoagulable state: a hematologist's perspective. Plast Reconstr Surg 2015; 136 (04) 545e-552e
  • 20 Pan XL, Chen GX, Shao HW, Han CM, Zhang LP, Zhi LZ. Effect of heparin on prevention of flap loss in microsurgical free flap transfer: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9 (04) e95111
  • 21 Hirsh J, Warkentin TE, Raschke R, Granger C, Ohman EM, Dalen JE. Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin: mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, dosing considerations, monitoring, efficacy, and safety. Chest 1998; 114 (5, Suppl): 489S-510S
  • 22 Abraham M, Badhey A, Hu S. et al. Thromboprophylaxis in head and neck microvascular reconstruction. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr 2018; 11 (02) 85-95
  • 23 Zhang Y, Zhang M, Tan L, Pan N, Zhang L. The clinical use of fondaparinux: a synthetic heparin pentasaccharide. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci 2019; 163: 41-53
  • 24 PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; ; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5282448, Fondaparinux; (January 10, 2023). Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fondaparinux
  • 25 Mehdizade T, Kelahmetoglu O, Gurkan V, Çetin G, Guneren E. Early suspicion of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia for successful free flap salvage: reports of two cases. J Hand Microsurg 2021; 13 (03) 178-180
  • 26 Linkins L-A. Heparin induced thrombocytopenia. BMJ 2015; 350: g7566
  • 27 Warkentin TE, Pai M, Linkins LA. Direct oral anticoagulants for treatment of HIT: update of Hamilton experience and literature review. Blood 2017; 130 (09) 1104-1113
  • 28 Ansell J, Hirsh J, Hylek E, Jacobson A, Crowther M, Palareti G. Pharmacology and management of the vitamin K antagonists: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Chest 2008; 133 (6, Suppl): 160S-198S
  • 29 Samama MM. The mechanism of action of rivaroxaban–an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor–compared with other anticoagulants. Thromb Res 2011; 127 (06) 497-504
  • 30 Liss DB, Mullins ME. Antithrombotic and antiplatelet drug toxicity. Crit Care Clin 2021; 37 (03) 591-604
  • 31 Ammollo CT, Semeraro F, Incampo F, Semeraro N, Colucci M. Dabigatran enhances clot susceptibility to fibrinolysis by mechanisms dependent on and independent of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor. J Thromb Haemost 2010; 8 (04) 790-798
  • 32 Macias D, Kwon DI, Walker PC, Peterson NR. Local intraluminal irrigation with argatroban during free flap repair in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2017; 126 (05) 407-410
  • 33 Roderick P, Ferris G, Wilson K. et al. Towards evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of venous thromboembolism: systematic reviews of mechanical methods, oral anticoagulation, dextran and regional anaesthesia as thromboprophylaxis. Health Technol Assess 2005; 9 (49) iii-iv , ix–x, 1–78
  • 34 Gould MK, Garcia DA, Wren SM. et al. Prevention of VTE in nonorthopedic surgical patients: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest 2012; 141 (2, Suppl): e227S-e277S
  • 35 Lee ZH, Ramly EP, Alfonso AR. et al. Dangle protocols in lower extremity reconstruction. J Surg Res 2021; 266: 77-87
  • 36 Masoomi H, Paydar KZ, Wirth GA, Aly A, Kobayashi MR, Evans GR. Predictive risk factors of venous thromboembolism in autologous breast reconstruction surgery. Ann Plast Surg 2014; 72 (01) 30-33
  • 37 Zhong T, Neinstein R, Massey C. et al. Intravenous fluid infusion rate in microsurgical breast reconstruction: important lessons learned from 354 free flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg 2011; 128 (06) 1153-1160
  • 38 Zarb RM, Ramamurthi A, Doren EL, LoGiudice JA, Hijjawi JB, Adamson KA. Clinical course of venous thromboembolism following abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction: a case series. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2021; 74 (10) 2550-2556
  • 39 Enajat M, Damen THC, Geenen A, Timman R, van der Hulst RRWJ, Mureau MAM. Pulmonary embolism after abdominal flap breast reconstruction: prediction and prevention. Plast Reconstr Surg 2013; 131 (06) 1213-1222
  • 40 Lemaine V, McCarthy C, Kaplan K. et al. Venous thromboembolism following microsurgical breast reconstruction: an objective analysis in 225 consecutive patients using low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. Plast Reconstr Surg 2011; 127 (04) 1399-1406
  • 41 Liao EC, Taghinia AH, Nguyen LP, Yueh JH, May Jr JW, Orgill DP. Incidence of hematoma complication with heparin venous thrombosis prophylaxis after TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 2008; 121 (04) 1101-1107
  • 42 Pannucci CJ, Fleming KI, Agarwal J, Rockwell WB, Prazak AM, Momeni A. The impact of once- versus twice-daily enoxaparin prophylaxis on risk for venous thromboembolism and clinically relevant bleeding. Plast Reconstr Surg 2018; 142 (01) 239-249
  • 43 Pannucci CJ, Fleming KI, Bertolaccini C. et al. Optimal dosing of prophylactic enoxaparin after surgical procedures: results of the double-blind, randomized, controlled FIxed or Variable Enoxaparin (FIVE) trial. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 147 (04) 947-958
  • 44 Pannucci CJ, Fleming KI, Bertolaccini C, Prazak AM, Stoddard GJ, Momeni A. Double-blind randomized clinical trial to examine the pharmacokinetic and clinical impacts of fixed dose versus weight-based enoxaparin prophylaxis: a methodologic description of the FIxed or Variable Enoxaparin (FIVE) trial. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2019; 7 (04) e2185
  • 45 Enajat M, Aziz Mohammadi M, Debeij J, van der Hulst RR, Mureau MA. Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on microvascular thrombosis in autologous breast reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg 2014; 30 (01) 65-70
  • 46 Adams RC, Hamrick M, Berenguer C, Senkowski C, Ochsner MG. Four years of an aggressive prophylaxis and screening protocol for venous thromboembolism in a large trauma population. J Trauma 2008; 65 (02) 300-306 , discussion 306–308
  • 47 Owings JT, Bagley M, Gosselin R, Romac D, Disbrow E. Effect of critical injury on plasma antithrombin activity: low antithrombin levels are associated with thromboembolic complications. J Trauma 1996; 41 (03) 396-405 , discussion 405–406
  • 48 Xiong L, Gazyakan E, Kremer T. et al. Free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity: a meta-analysis on microsurgical outcome and safety. Microsurgery 2016; 36 (06) 511-524
  • 49 Bendon CL, Crick A. Occult deep vein thrombosis in lower limb trauma requiring microsurgical reconstruction-a retrospective cohort study. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2021; 74 (04) 775-784
  • 50 Valerio I, Sabino J, Heckert R. et al. Known preoperative deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolus: to flap or not to flap the severely injured extremity?. Plast Reconstr Surg 2013; 132 (01) 213-220
  • 51 Falck-Ytter Y, Francis CW, Johanson NA. et al. Prevention of VTE in orthopedic surgery patients: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest 2012; 141 (2, Suppl): e278S-e325S
  • 52 Rogers FB, Cipolle MD, Velmahos G, Rozycki G, Luchette FA. Practice management guidelines for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in trauma patients: the EAST practice management guidelines work group. J Trauma 2002; 53 (01) 142-164
  • 53 Winkler MS, Larena-Avellaneda A, Diener H, Kölbel T, Debus ES. Risk-adjusted strategies in the prevention of early arterial thrombosis following lower extremity arterial reconstruction: a comparison of unfractionated versus low molecular weight heparin. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2013; 54 (1, Suppl 1): 183-192
  • 54 Geoghegan L, Super J, Machin M. et al. Are venous thromboembolism risk assessment tools reliable in the stratification of microvascular risk following lower extremity reconstruction?. JPRAS Open 2021; 29: 45-54
  • 55 Clayburgh D, Stott W, Kochanowski T. et al. Prospective study of venous thromboembolism in patients with head and neck cancer after surgery: interim analysis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2013; 139 (02) 161-167
  • 56 Moreano EH, Hutchison JL, McCulloch TM, Graham SM, Funk GF, Hoffman HT. Incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998; 118 (06) 777-784
  • 57 Thai L, McCarn K, Stott W. et al. Venous thromboembolism in patients with head and neck cancer after surgery. Head Neck 2013; 35 (01) 4-9
  • 58 Dort JC, Farwell DG, Findlay M. et al. Optimal perioperative care in major head and neck cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction: a consensus review and recommendations from the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017; 143 (03) 292-303
  • 59 Crippen MM, Ganti RS, Xu V, Swendseid B, Tzeng DL, Curry J. Outcomes in head and neck free flap reconstruction among patients with a history of venous thromboembolism. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 166 (02) 267-273
  • 60 Moubayed SP, Eskander A, Mourad MW, Most SP. Systematic review and meta-analysis of venous thromboembolism in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Head Neck 2017; 39 (06) 1249-1258
  • 61 Cevik J, Middleton R, Ramakrishnan A, Cabalag M. Rationalizing post-operative prophylactic anticoagulation in reconstructive head and neck cancer patients: a review. ANZ J Surg 2021; 91 (12) 2610-2616
  • 62 Chien W, Varvares MA, Hadlock T, Cheney M, Deschler DG. Effects of aspirin and low-dose heparin in head and neck reconstruction using microvascular free flaps. Laryngoscope 2005; 115 (06) 973-976
  • 63 Ambani SW, Bengur FB, Varelas LJ. et al. Standard fixed enoxaparin dosing for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis leads to low peak anti-factor Xa levels in both head and neck and breast free flap patients. J Reconstr Microsurg 2022; 38 (09) 749-756
  • 64 Eley KA, Parker RJ, Watt-Smith SR. Low molecular weight heparin in patients undergoing free tissue transfer following head and neck ablative surgery: review of efficacy and associated complications. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2013; 51 (07) 610-614
  • 65 Sweetland S, Green J, Liu B. et al; Million Women Study collaborators. Duration and magnitude of the postoperative risk of venous thromboembolism in middle aged women: prospective cohort study. BMJ 2009; 339: b4583
  • 66 Bergqvist D, Agnelli G, Cohen AT. et al; ENOXACAN II Investigators. Duration of prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism with enoxaparin after surgery for cancer. N Engl J Med 2002; 346 (13) 975-980
  • 67 Rau AS, Harry BL, Leem TH, Song JI, Deleyiannis FW. Evidence for extending the duration of chemoprophylaxis following free flap harvest from the lower extremity: prospective screening for deep venous thrombosis. Plast Reconstr Surg 2016; 138 (02) 500-508
  • 68 Badash I, Burtt K, Leland H. et al. Effects of perioperative venous thromboembolism on outcomes in soft tissue reconstruction of traumatic lower extremity injuries. Ann Plast Surg 2019; 82 (5S, Suppl 4): S345-S349
  • 69 Murray DJ, Neligan PC, Novak CB, Howley B, Wunder JS, Lipa JE. Free tissue transfer and deep vein thrombosis. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2008; 61 (06) 687-692
  • 70 Mirzabeigi MN, Wang T, Kovach SJ, Taylor JA, Serletti JM, Wu LC. Free flap take-back following postoperative microvascular compromise: predicting salvage versus failure. Plast Reconstr Surg 2012; 130 (03) 579-589
  • 71 Panchapakesan V, Addison P, Beausang E, Lipa JE, Gilbert RW, Neligan PC. Role of thrombolysis in free-flap salvage. J Reconstr Microsurg 2003; 19 (08) 523-530
  • 72 Bui DT, Cordeiro PG, Hu QY, Disa JJ, Pusic A, Mehrara BJ. Free flap reexploration: indications, treatment, and outcomes in 1193 free flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg 2007; 119 (07) 2092-2100
  • 73 Kroll SS, Schusterman MA, Reece GP. et al. Timing of pedicle thrombosis and flap loss after free-tissue transfer. Plast Reconstr Surg 1996; 98 (07) 1230-1233
  • 74 Nelson JA, Kim EM, Eftakhari K. et al. Late venous thrombosis in free flap breast reconstruction: strategies for salvage after this real entity. Plast Reconstr Surg 2012; 129 (01) 8e-15e
  • 75 Largo RD, Selber JC, Garvey PB. et al. Outcome analysis of free flap salvage in outpatients presenting with microvascular compromise. Plast Reconstr Surg 2018; 141 (01) 20e-27e
  • 76 Trussler AP, Watson JP, Crisera CA. Late free-flap salvage with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Microsurgery 2008; 28 (04) 217-222
  • 77 Shuck J, Endara M, Davison SP. Management of intraoperative free flap arterial thrombosis with argatroban in the heparin-allergic patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 2014; 134 (04) 672e
  • 78 Puckett CL, Misholy H, Reinisch JF. The effects of streptokinase on ischemic flaps. J Hand Surg Am 1983; 8 (01) 101-104
  • 79 Lepore DA, Knight KR, Bhattacharya S. et al. Drug mixture which improves survival of ischemic rabbit epigastric skin flaps. Microsurgery 1994; 15 (10) 685-692
  • 80 Romano JE, Biel MA. Thrombolysis in microvascular surgery using tissue-type plasminogen activator. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1989; 115 (11) 1318-1321
  • 81 Lipton HA, Jupiter JB. Streptokinase salvage of a free-tissue transfer: case report and review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg 1987; 79 (06) 977-981
  • 82 Biben JA, Atmodiwirjo P. Free flap thrombosis in patients with hypercoagulability: a systematic review. Arch Plast Surg 2019; 46 (06) 572-579
  • 83 Wang TY, Serletti JM, Cuker A. et al. Free tissue transfer in the hypercoagulable patient: a review of 58 flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg 2012; 129 (02) 443-453
  • 84 Nelson JA, Chung CU, Bauder AR, Wu LC. Prevention of thrombosis in hypercoagulable patients undergoing microsurgery: a novel anticoagulation protocol. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2017; 70 (03) 307-312
  • 85 DeFazio MV, Economides JM, Anghel EL, Tefera EA, Evans KK. Lower extremity free tissue transfer in the setting of thrombophilia: analysis of perioperative anticoagulation protocols and predictors of flap failure. J Reconstr Microsurg 2019; 35 (04) 270-286
  • 86 Hill JB, Patel A, Del Corral GA. et al. Preoperative anemia predicts thrombosis and free flap failure in microvascular reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 2012; 69 (04) 364-367
  • 87 Veith J, Donato D, Holoyda K, Simpson A, Agarwal J. Variables associated with 30-day postoperative complications in lower extremity free flap reconstruction identified in the ACS-NSQIP database. Microsurgery 2019; 39 (07) 621-628
  • 88 Mlodinow AS, Ver Halen JP, Rambachan A, Gaido J, Kim JY. Anemia is not a predictor of free flap failure: a review of NSQIP data. Microsurgery 2013; 33 (06) 432-438
  • 89 Cho EH, Bauder AR, Centkowski S. et al. Preoperative platelet count predicts lower extremity free flap thrombosis: a multi-institutional experience. Plast Reconstr Surg 2017; 139 (01) 220-230
  • 90 Shum J, Markiewicz MR, Park E. et al. Low prealbumin level is a risk factor for microvascular free flap failure. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014; 72 (01) 169-177
  • 91 Lim W, Le Gal G, Bates SM. et al. American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: diagnosis of venous thromboembolism. Blood Adv 2018; 2 (22) 3226-3256