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Preoperative magnetic resonance angiography in fibular-free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Lorenz, RR; Esclamado, R
Published in: Head Neck
October 2001

BACKGROUND: Conventional angiography has been recommended for imaging of the leg prior to fibular-free flap harvest. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers a similar level of accuracy at no risk to the patient and at a lower cost. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who were considered for fibular-free flap were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative MRA of the lower extremities was performed on all patients and used to evaluate vessel patency. The decision of free flap donor site was based upon MRA findings. RESULTS: The choice of side harvested was changed in four (12.5%) patients and the fibula was excluded as a donor site in three patients (9%). Flap design was altered in one patient found to have abnormally short peroneal arteries. The usual correlation between palpable distal pulses and proximal patent arteries was found to be unreliable. All 29 patients underwent successful free flap reconstruction with no ischemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative MRA is useful when choosing the side of fibular harvesting and in excluding patients from the fibula as a donor site. We feel that the cost of obtaining preoperative imaging is outweighed by avoiding potential ischemic complications and additional operating room time with no risk to the patient's health.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Head Neck

DOI

ISSN

1043-3074

Publication Date

October 2001

Volume

23

Issue

10

Start / End Page

844 / 850

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Surgical Flaps
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Humans
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms
  • Female
 

Citation

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MLA
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Lorenz, R. R., & Esclamado, R. (2001). Preoperative magnetic resonance angiography in fibular-free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects. Head Neck, 23(10), 844–850. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.1123
Lorenz, R. R., and R. Esclamado. “Preoperative magnetic resonance angiography in fibular-free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects.Head Neck 23, no. 10 (October 2001): 844–50. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.1123.
Lorenz, R. R., and R. Esclamado. “Preoperative magnetic resonance angiography in fibular-free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects.Head Neck, vol. 23, no. 10, Oct. 2001, pp. 844–50. Pubmed, doi:10.1002/hed.1123.
Journal cover image

Published In

Head Neck

DOI

ISSN

1043-3074

Publication Date

October 2001

Volume

23

Issue

10

Start / End Page

844 / 850

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Surgical Flaps
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Humans
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms
  • Female