Postoperative

Authors: Emma Tubæk Nielsen, MD., Caroline Lilja, MD., and Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD.

This chapter details the postoperative care following gracilis flap harvest.

• The leg is kept elevated following the procedure.⁴
• Compression bandages/pants are used for 6 weeks day and night, followed by 6 weeks in daytime.
• Anticoagulation therapy with e.g. dextran or heparin can be administered, if indicated by the surgeon.
  • An individual evaluation of the patient and their co-morbidity is necessary.
  • Both bleeding and thrombosis might potentially compromise the survival of the flap.⁸
• The foot is kept in a neutral position using a cast shoe the week following surgery.⁴

References

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3. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Dissection in Fresh Cadaver. European Master’s degree in surgical oncology, reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery (MRBS).
4. Buntic, Rudy. The Gracilis Flap. Microsurgeon, Flaps. Link: https://www.microsurgeon.org/gracilismuscle
5. Dr Zezo. Gracilis flap. Plastic Surgery Key. 03.03.2017. Link: https://plasticsurgerykey.com/gracilis-flap/
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8. Wax M. K. et Azzi J. Perioperative considerations in free flap surgery: A review of pressors and anticoagulation. Oral Oncology 2018.