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Osmotic complications of low-molecular-weight dextran therapy in free flap surgery

✍ Scribed by Charles K. Hardin; William C. Kirk; William C. Pederson


Publisher
John Wiley and Sons
Year
1992
Tongue
English
Weight
318 KB
Volume
13
Category
Article
ISSN
0738-1085

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✦ Synopsis


Abstract

Low‐molecular‐weight dextran is utilized by many microsurgeons after free tissue transfer for its beneficial effects on the microcirculation. While it is generally felt to have a low rate of complications, severe complications secondary to dextran's osmotic effects may occur. We report here on two cases in which therapy with low‐molecular‐weight dextran was strongly implicated as a causative factor in major complications. These cases and their background are reviewed. Guidelines for the safe administration of this agent in patients post free‐tissue transfer are discussed.