After the Procedure You will have to stay in bed with the extremity elevated for three days after the procedure, during which time you will be given low doses of heparin, the anticoagulating agent.
The oxygen saturation of the perfused limb has to be continuously monitored for four days after the operation. A fall in the saturation usually signals the start of what is called the compartment syndrome, meaning that the limb swells so severely that it may interfere with circulation.
Complications About 30 percent of people who have perfusion will experience complications, but most of them are minor and pass quickly.
• Severe bone marrow toxicity occurs in about 5 percent of patients, but this is usually temporary.
• The compartment syndrome occurs in 3 to 4 percent of patients. This is an emergency situation and if proper
treatment is not given promptly, the limb may have to be amputated.
• There is always a buildup of fluid in the tissues (edema), but this does not last long if it is properly treated.
• Since anticoagulation is used, there is an increased risk of postoperative bleeding.
• Inflamed veins and blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis) occur in 10 to 15 percent of patients, but the
clots rarely travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Mortality from the procedure is variously reported from 1 in 2,000 (0.05 percent) to 3 in 200 (1.5 percent)
