Intraoperative vasopressors and thrombotic complications in free flap breast reconstruction

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to critically examine intraoperative vasopressor usage as it relates to free flap perfusion and its effect on perioperative complications in autologous breast reconstruction.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving all free autologous breast reconstructions at a single institution over a 5 year period. Data collection focused on perioperative care, specifically fluid administration, urine output (UOP), use of vasopressors, and case duration. Outcomes included major intraoperative and postoperative complications. Patients who received intraoperative vasopressors were compared to all patients who did not. The use, type, and timing of the vasopressor agent were assessed with standard statistical analyses and regression modelling.

Results: Six hundred and eighty-two patients reconstructed with 1039 flaps were included. Of these, 475 (69.6%) patients received vasopressors. The vasopressor cohort was older (p = 0.001), with higher rates of hypertension (p = 0.02). They had a greater number of hypotensive episodes (2.3 vs 0.8, p < 0.0001) and received a greater volume of fluid (4653.0 vs 4291.7 ml, p = 0.004). Examining complications, no increase in intraoperative thrombotic events (arterial or venous) or flap loss was noted with vasopressor administration. A higher rate of minor complications was, however, noted (53.1% vs 43.0%, p = 0.016).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the use of intraoperative vasopressor agents in the anaesthetic care of free flap breast reconstruction patients is common, but likely does not impact thrombotic events or flap loss. Minor complications may, however, be more common in these patients.

Keywords:

• Free tissue flaps
• vasoconstrictor agents
• outcome assessment (healthcare)

Acknowledgements

This manuscript was presented in part at: The 17th International Confederation of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery World Congress, 26 February 2013, Santiago, Chile; The American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting, 17 January 2013, Naples, FL; and The World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery 2013 Congress, 12 July 2013, Chicago, IL.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.