Advanced Microcirculatory Parameters of Lower Extremity Free Flaps during Dangling and Their Influencing Factors.

Background: Dangling of the leg to habituate a free flap to the lower extremity is common practice. However, little is known about the microcirculatory changes in free flaps and the influence of comorbidities.

Methods: Tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) and hemoglobin content (tissue hemoglobin index [THI]) of 39 lower extremity free flaps was measured during dangling on postoperative days (PODs) 6 to 9.

Changes of oxygenation and hemoglobin-concentration in lower extremity free flaps during dangling.

Lower extremity reconstruction utilizing free tissue transfer has become a common and safe procedure. Postoperative care and especially timing and duration of dangling however have not yet been extensively studied. We therefore aimed to assess the changes in oxygenation and hemoglobin concentration in lower extremity free flaps during dangling.