Assessment of the Effects of Pressors on Graft Blood Flow After Free Tissue Transfer Surgery

Summary

Following surgery to remove tumours of the head and neck, patients undergo reconstruction with free flaps - tissue that is taken from elsewhere in the body and given a new blood supply by attaching it to vessels in the neck. Following this type of surgery, patients often need medication to maintain their blood pressure in the intensive care unit. The effect of these drugs on the transplanted tissues is unknown. This study investigates the effects of four commonly used drugs on free flap perfusion.

Timeline

Start

2008-10

Primary completion

2010-02

Completion

2010-02

Publications

• Eley KA, Young JD, Watt-Smith SR. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dobutamine, and dopexamine effects on free flap skin blood flow. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Sep;130(3):564-570. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31825dbf73.

Drugs

Indications