Three End-to-End Techniques for Microvascular Anastomosis of Vessels With Different Size Discrepancy

BACKGROUNDSize discrepancy in microvascular anastomosis is a common issue in free flap transfer and replantation surgery. A number of different techniques have been described to overcome the problem, but optimal method continues to be defined. METHODSSince June 2015 to May 2018, clinical courses of 103 microvascular cases performed by one senior surgeon were reviewed. Three end-to-end techniques including mechanical dilation, single-mattress suture, and wedge resection were applied in 364 anastomoses with caliber ratio between 1:1 and 1:1.5, 1:1.5 and 1:2, and 1:2 and 13, respectively. RESULTSA total of 112 flaps were incorporated in this study. The incidence of anastomotic failure was 3.0% (11/364), and the overall flap failure rate was 3.6% (4/112). The failure cases included 2 replanted scalps, 1 replanted ear, and 1 superficial temporal artery flap for nasal reconstruction. CONCLUSIONSOur results depicted operational convenience and reliability of the 3 end-to-end anastomotic techniques in addressing mild-to-large vessel discrepancy.