RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The rising clinical importance of assessing frailty is driven by its predictive capability for postoperative outcomes. This study assesses RAI-rev (Risk Analysis Index) effectiveness in predicting adverse outcomes in lower extremity (LE) flap reconstruction. METHODS: Analyzing NSQIP data from 2015-2020, we compared demographics, perioperative factors, and 30-day outcomes in all locoregional and free flap cases. Frailty scores, calculated using RAI-rev, were categorized with <15 as non-frail and >35 as the most frail. Adjusted odds-ratios (aOR) for specific complications were calculated using non-frail as the reference group. Frailty scores in locoregional flaps were compared to those in free flaps. RESULTS: We identified 270 locoregional and 107 free flap cases. Higher RAI-rev scores in locoregional flaps correlated with increased complications, such as deep surgical site infection (1% non-frail vs. 20% RAI 31-35), stroke (0% non-frail vs. 17% most-frail), and mortality (0% non-frail vs. 17% most-frail). Locoregional flap cases with RAI-rev scores in the most-frail group had a significantly elevated aOR for stroke (51.0, 95% CI: 1.8-1402.5, p=0.02), mortality (43.1, 95% CI: 1.6-1167.6, p=0.03), and any complication (6.8, 95% CI: 1.2-37.4, p=0.03). In free flap cases, higher RAI-rev scores were associated with increased complications, with only sepsis showing a statistically significant difference (6% non-frail vs. 100% most-frail; aOR 42.3, CI: 1.45 - 1245.3, p=0.03). Free flap cases had a significantly lower RAI-rev score compared to locoregional flap cases (14.91 vs. 17.64, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Elevated RAI-rev scores (>35) correlated with more complications in locoregional flaps, while free flap reconstruction patients had generally low RAI-rev scores. This suggests that free flaps are less commonly recommended for presumed higher-risk patients. The study demonstrates that RAI-rev may be able to serve as a risk calculator in lower extremity reconstruction, aiding in the assessment of candidates for limb salvage versus amputation.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Blood transfusions have been associated with surgical complications; however, these studies are not specific to lower extremity (LE) reconstruction. We evaluated the effect of perioperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions on LE free flap outcomes in trauma patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing LE free flap reconstruction following acute injuries from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The perioperative period for transfusions was defined as ± 3 days from the procedure. Parameters included demographics, perioperative characteristics, and outcomes. Major complications were complications requiring reoperation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify associations. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 48% received PRBCs perioperatively. There was a trend toward higher major complications rate in the transfusion group (19 vs. 10%, p = 0.09). Wound size, injury severity score (ISS), and intraoperative estimated blood loss were greater in the transfusion group (p < 0.01). Preoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit were lower in the transfusion group (p < 0.001). Units of PRBCs transfused were independently associated with major complications on multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.70, p = 0.015) and length of hospital stay (LOS; OR = 1.05, CI: 1.02-1.08, p = 0.002). Infection, wound size, ISS, and preoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit were independently associated with increased LOS (p < 0.05) but not with major complications. CONCLUSION: The number of units of PRBCs given perioperatively was the only variable independently associated with major complications on multivariate analysis and was one of many variables associated with increased LOS. These findings suggest the usage of restrictive transfusion protocols in trauma patients requiring LE reconstruction.