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CHARLES M. STIERNBERG, MD
Galveston, Tex

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990;116(8):903.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

At the recent spring meeting of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Palm Beach, Fla, Drs David W. Stepnich and Richard E. Hayden, Washington University, St Louis, Mo, presented their experience with monitoring the viability of various reconstructive flaps. Whether using free flaps or pedicled flaps, they pointed out that early recognition of flap compromise leads to a greater probability of salvage, and thereby less patient morbidity. To date, no substitute exists for direct observation and physical examination to assess capillary refill, color, turgor, bleeding, and temperature of flaps. Numerous electronic monitors, however, can be utilized to monitor vessel patency, tissue perfusion, and tissue metabolites. Ideally, a monitor should be accurate, reliable, reproducible, and provide continuous monitoring. According to the investigators, the Doppler pulse laser is best for objective assessment of flap integrity. Using the Doppler principle, this instrument can localize a vascular pedicle beneath the skin . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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