Statins: A new pharmacological agent for free flap surgery?

Microvascular free tissue transfer has become the standard for reconstruction in head and neck oncological surgery. Several pharmacological agents have been used in order to increase the success rate of this surgery, but there is currently no consensus for an ideal drug. We review the literature concerning the complications encountered in free flap surgery related to the ischaemia-reperfusion injury and detail the effects of statins relevant to this endothelial dysfunction. Statins, because of their pleiotropic effects such as preservation of vascular tone, anticoagulation and anti-inflammatory properties, appear to be useful in free flap surgery. This study highlights the benefits of statins in order to increase the success rate and the quality of the free flap. They should be included in the perioperative strategy, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. A protocol is presented.