Role of Lactate Measurement in Flap Monitoring: An Useful Adjunct

Abstract

Background Detection of vascular compromise in flap is often a challenging task for reconstructive surgeons. A timely salvage procedure depends on objectivity and reliability of postoperative flap monitoring. This study determined if flap capillary lactate helps in prediction of flap viability in first 48 postoperative hours of surgery.

Keywords

• flap capillary lactate
• flap ischemia
• free flaps
• flap monitoring
• vascular thrombosis of flap