A review of 100 consecutive free tissue transfers

Following the introduction of microsurgical techniques the availability of free tissue transfer has radically transformed reconstructive possibilities for both oncological and surgical defects. This study is a review of 100 consecutive free tissue transfers (free flaps), carried out in 96 patients over a period of 25 months in our unit. The indications for surgery in this series mainly resulted from malignancy, trauma, chronic osteomyelitis, burns and congenital abnormalities. The tissues transferred included various combinations of skin, fat, fascia, muscle, bone and several free digits. Fourteen cases required re-exploration, of which 12 were salvaged, and the overall success rate was 96%.