Low-molecular-weight heparin salvage in pedicled flap reconstruction in head and neck: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if systemic administration of low-molecular-weight heparin impacts venous compromise in loco-regional flap reconstruction for head and neck subsites.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on patients who had developed features of venous compromise of the flap. The case group received low-molecular-weight heparin (dalteparin).

RESULTS

Of the 73 patients who developed venous congestion, low-molecular-weight heparin was administered in 47 patients. In the low-molecular-weight heparin subset, 23 patients had either reversal or non-progression of venous compromise (48.9 per cent). Of the patients who had no response to low-molecular-weight heparin rescue, complete necrosis was seen in 4 and partial flap necrosis was observed in 19. The corresponding numbers in the control group were 13 and 12, respectively (odds ratio 23.9, p = 0.002). Additionally, the low-molecular-weight heparin arm had a lower incidence of partial or complete flap necrosis (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Low-molecular-weight heparin salvage, when instituted early, is likely to result in a significant reduction in flap-related morbidity.