Evaluating the Merit and Applications of the Caprini Risk Score as a Complications Predictor

Abstract

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is considered a complication of free flap surgery. Prior studies investigating the use of the Caprini Risk Score (CRS) to estimate the risk of complications in free flap reconstruction are confounded by small sample sizes, varying surgical sites, and disparate classification of risk. This study evaluates the predictive merit of CRS for complications in free flap reconstructions.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients (n = 502) who underwent free flap reconstruction from January 2015 to April 2022 collected patient medical history, type and location of free tissue transfer, CRS, and prior and perioperative anticoagulation (AC). Reconstructive outcomes and complications were analyzed in low (CRS <8) and high (CRS ≥8) cohorts using chi-square tests. Complications were also analyzed by flap sites in sufficient cohort populations (n > 10).

Results

Of 502 patients, the high CRS cohort (n = 71) was associated with upper (p < 0.005) and lower (p < 0.001) extremity reconstructions while the low CRS (n = 431) cohort was associated with breast reconstructions (p < 0.001). The high CRS cohort demonstrated an increased need for intraoperative blood transfusions (p < 0.001). Other intraoperative or postoperative complications such as flap loss, intraoperative AC, return to operating room (OR), or VTE had no significant correlations. High CRS patients were more likely to be discharged on AC (p < 0.001) and have a longer length of stay (LOS; p < 0.001). By flap site, there was a significant association between CRS and LOS >14 days in breast and head and neck flaps (p < 0.05) and discharge on AC in head and neck flaps only (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CRS may have utility in predicting the need for blood transfusion and AC requirements in free flap reconstruction but does not seem to predict the incidence of flap complications. A larger, higher-powered study may be used to assess the validity of CRS in risk of VTE and anticoagulant prophylaxis.

Keywords

Caprini Risk Score - free flap reconstruction - free flap complications

Data Availability

The patient data are secured behind a hospital-protected firewall.

Ethical Approval

The authors adhered to the ethical principles of research.

Publication History

Received: 28 August 2024

Accepted: 19 February 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
11 March 2025

Article published online:
09 April 2025

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