From the Research
A type and screen is typically required for a gracilis flap procedure to ensure blood safety and availability of compatible blood products in case of transfusion needs during or after surgery. The gracilis flap is a complex microsurgical procedure that involves harvesting the gracilis muscle from the inner thigh and transferring it to another part of the body, often requiring several hours of operating time [ 1 ]. During this extensive surgery, there is potential for significant blood loss that might necessitate transfusion. Additionally, microsurgical procedures carry a risk of vascular complications that could lead to bleeding.
Some key points to consider in the management of patients undergoing gracilis flap procedures include:
- The potential for significant blood loss and the need for transfusion [ 2 ]
- The importance of preoperative preparation, including type and screen, to ensure rapid access to blood products if needed [ 3 ]
- The role of type and screen in identifying the patient's blood type and screening for antibodies to ensure compatible blood is available [ 3 ]
The type and screen should be performed within 72 hours before surgery according to most institutional protocols. This preoperative preparation is part of standard safety measures for major surgical procedures where blood loss is a possibility, allowing for rapid access to blood products if needed during the operation or in the postoperative period.