Clinical audit and national survey on the assessment of collateral circulation before radial forearm free flap harvest

Controversy exists regarding the use of Duplex Ultrasound (DUS) in addition to the Modified Allen's Test (MAT) for the assessment of collateral circulation prior to elevation of the Radial Forearm Free Flap (RFFF). A survey amongst members of BAOMS Head & Neck Oncology Subspecialty Interest Group and a completed local audit was undertaken to assess the need for DUS. Data for the initial audit was collected retrospectively between 2010 – 2013. Both MAT and DUS was performed routinely during this period.

http://ift.tt/2ef9535