Keywords: Reconstructive surgery, free flap, near-infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging
 

"Non-invasive optical methods for perioperative flap monitoring in plastic and reconstructive surgery"

Since the introduction of free flap as a method of tissue defect reconstruction, flap viability has improved dramatically due to advanced microsurgical techniques. Despite the high success rates, partial circulatory failure, resulting in necrosis remains a relatively common complication. Therefore, an objective monitoring technique is preferred to complement the current rather subjective and limited gold standard for assessing flap viability. To evaluate objective, optical, non-invasive techniques for early detection of tissue hypoxia, this thesis focused on two (near-infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging) techniques. Both techniques have proven to be reliable, accurate, and user-friendly. However, neither technique can (yet) fully replace the gold standard of clinical flap assessment. 

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