Risk factors associated with free microvascular flaps using a vascular stapler: A retrospective study

Abstract Objective: To analyze the risk of perioperative complications associated with preoperative risk factors in patients who underwent anastomosis of free head and neck flaps using a vascular stapler. Methods: We reviewed the data of all patients who underwent anastomosis of free head and neck flaps using a vascular stapler in our hospital between 2019 and 2020 (n=171). They were grouped according to age, weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between these factors and flap necrosis. Results: Among the 171 patients who underwent single vein anastomotic reconstruction of free head and neck flaps with a vascular stapler, five exhibited flap necrosis. Age,smoking,alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension were found to affect the prognosis of surgery; among these, diabetes was a risk factor for flap necrosis. Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the control of blood glucose in patients undergoing free vascularized flaps using a stapler.