Arista for ALT Donor Sites to Reduce Drain Output

This is a single-blinded multi-institutional randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Arista hemostatic matrix powder (AristaAR AH, C. R. Bard, Inc. Davol, Warwick, RI) in reducing drainage output in anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap donor sites. Increased drainage from donor sites can lead to seroma formation with possible secondary infection, delayed hospital discharge, and additional home care needs for drain care. Arista is an inert plant based absorbable surgical hemostatic powder that can be easily applied to broad surgical fields to reduce bleeding and seroma rates. Therefore, its application to free flap donor sites may bear significant potential benefit. Specific Aim 1: The main hypothesis of the study is that the use of Arista in anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap donor sites prior to closure will reduce postoperative drain outputs and time to drain removal compared to ALT donor sites closed without Arista. Specific Aim 2: This study will also evaluate the secondary hypotheses that Arista will reduce postoperative ALT donor site seromas and patient hospital length of stay.