Performance of infrared thermography and thermal stress test in perforator mapping and flap monitoring: A meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Performance of infrared thermography and thermal stress test in perforator mapping and flap monitoring: A meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy Via Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Apr 18:S1748-6815(21)00192-3. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.088. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Accurate mapping of perforators prior to flap reconstruction and early detection of poor flap perfusion reduces the risk of flap failure. Infrared thermography (IRT) has recently regained popularity within reconstructive surgery to aid flap design, reduce operative time and assess flap viability based on surface temperature changes. The aim of this review is to quantify the diagnostic ability of IRT in perforator mapping preoperatively and monitor flap perfusion perioperatively. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of literature and included all studies that evaluated the use of IRT for perforator mapping and flap perfusion monitoring. We used a mixed-effects logistic regression bivariate model to estimate the summary sensitivity and specificity and constructed hierarchical summary re ceiver operative characteristic (HSROC) curves. OUTCOME: We identified 18 studies and observed IRT to have sensitivities of 99.6% and 89.6% with specificities of 99.9% and 96.0% for perforator mapping and flap monitoring, respectively. Moreover, IRT recognises patterns of perfusion within interperforator zones through visualisation of angiosomal rewarming and may improve flap outcomes. PMID:34011474 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.088 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.