%0 Journal Article
%T Free-flap reconstruction methods in head-and-neck oncologic surgery: A CROSS practice survey of members of the French GETTEC Head-and-Neck Tumor Study Group.
%A Cosset T
%A Tonnerre D
%A Gorphe P
%A Dupret-Bories A
%A Dufour X
%A Carsuzaa F
%J Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Apr 23
%M 38658260
%F 2.665
%R 10.1016/j.anorl.2024.04.002
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To survey practices concerning the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelets in microvascular free-flap reconstruction following oncological surgery of the head and neck.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A survey of practices was carried out between September 2022 and March 2023. An online questionnaire was sent to members of the French GETTEC Head-and-Neck Tumor Study Group in all French centers practicing head-and-neck cancer surgery with reconstruction using microvascular free-flaps. The questionnaire asked surgeons about their practices regarding the use of intra- and postoperative anticoagulants and antiplatelets, preoperative management of comorbidities, and prevention of postoperative complications.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Sixty-one percent of the 38 respondents (23/38) used intraoperative intravenous heparin injection, associated to flap irrigation with heparin for 76% of surgeons (29/38) and/or a heparin solution bath for 37% (14/38). Postoperative anticoagulation was used by 95% of surgeons (36/38), and antiplatelets by 40% (15/38). Postoperatively, 40% (15/38) carried out monitoring using an implantable micro-Doppler probe, associated to analysis of clinical characteristics of the flap.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Reconstructive surgery using microvascular free-flaps involves numerous factors that can influence success. Prospective studies, particularly concerning the management of anticoagulants, could enable a national consensus on methods for free-flap reconstruction.