Author/Authors :
Carolina Oliveira da Silva, Ana Universidade de São Paulo - Hospital das Clínicas - Medical School - Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Hand and Microsurgery Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil , Bersani Silva, Gustavo Universidade de São Paulo - Hospital das Clínicas - Medical School - Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Hand and Microsurgery Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil , Baik Cho, Alvaro Universidade de São Paulo - Hospital das Clínicas - Medical School - Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Hand and Microsurgery Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil , Hsiang Wei, Teng Universidade de São Paulo - Hospital das Clínicas - Medical School - Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Hand and Microsurgery Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil , Mattar Junior, Rames Universidade de São Paulo - Hospital das Clínicas - Medical School - Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Hand and Microsurgery Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil , Bernardelli Iamaguchi, Raquel Universidade de São Paulo - Hospital das Clínicas - Medical School - Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Hand and Microsurgery Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Abstract :
Objective: To evaluate if the levels of serum total protein and
serum albumin are risk factors for surgical complications of free
flap limb reconstruction. Methods: Consecutive inclusion of all
patients undergoing microsurgical flaps for limb reconstruction
of complex injuries. We recorded epidemiological and laboratory
data, including total proteins and fractions, for descriptive and
analytical statistics. Results: Our study analyzed one microsur-
gical flap from 35 patients that underwent complex injuries of
the limbs. In total, 23 patients were men, and mean age of all
patients was 35 years. After statistical analysis, no influence of
pre or postoperative hypoalbuminemia was observed on the
incidence of complications. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had
a higher length of stay than those with normal albumin levels
(p = 0.008). Conclusion: We observed that 71% of patients had
hypoalbuminemia in early postoperative period and we suggest
a nutritional support for patients requiring complex traumatic
limb reconstruction. Hypoalbuminemia in patients subjected to
microsurgical flaps for the treatment of complex traumatic limb
injuries did not influence the complications that required surgical
reintervention; However, it was associated with prolonged hospital
stay. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective study
Keywords :
Free Tissue Flaps , Risk Factors , Hypoalbuminemia , Postoperative Complications
