Monitoring Interstitial Glucose Changes During Ischemia/Reperfusion in Human Cutaneous Free Flaps

Authors

  • Supasid Jirawatnotai Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery Lerdsin General Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Rungkit Tanjapatkul Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery Lerdsin General Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

Keywords:

free flap, monitoring, interstitial glucose, ischemia/reperfusion

Abstract

Background: Free tissue transfer has unique post ischemic tissue metabolism that resembles the
ischemia/reperfusion model. Glucose regulation during ischemia/reperfusion and effects of the insult to
glucose metabolism in various human skin flaps were examined in this study by using the continuous glucose
monitoring device.
Methods: Seven cutaneous-containing free flaps reconstruction were performed in seven adult patients.
Interstitial glucose within the flaps was monitored using a transcutaneous sensor. Interstitial glucose (ISG) was
recorded from flap harvesting until one hour following arterial anastomosis. Interstitial glucose concentrations
and trends were reported.
Results: Six free flaps were successfully monitored according to study protocol. The initial mean ISG in
the flap was 111.219± 26.33 (59.5-129) mg/dl. The glucose average rate of fall was 1.04 mg/min after pedicle
transection. Average time to reach low plateau phase (47.49± 13.98% of initial ISG) was 87± 42.16 minutes. The
mean ischemic time was 165.83± 53.88 (105-237) minutes. After arterial reperfusion, the interstitial glucose rose
in the average rate of 0.79 mg/min. The 1-hr post-reperfusion ISG remained stable at 87.5± 6.85% (75.51-94.1)
of the initial (p = 0.01). Weak negative correlation between ischemic time and 1-hr post-reperfusion ISG was
observed (r = -0.59).
Conclusions: Interstitial glucose concentration in human skin flap during ischemia/reperfusion episode
is correlated with tissue perfusion. Prolonged ischemia compromises glucose metabolism in the early reperfusion
period.
Keywords:

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Published

2012-12-28

How to Cite

1.
Jirawatnotai S, Tanjapatkul R. Monitoring Interstitial Glucose Changes During Ischemia/Reperfusion in Human Cutaneous Free Flaps. Thai J Surg [Internet]. 2012 Dec. 28 [cited 2024 Nov. 6];33(4). Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ThaiJSurg/article/view/227144

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