Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
[Free flaps in elective reconstructive surgery over a 20 year period]
J-P Pradier1, M Revol, J-M Servant
1Service de chirurgie plastique et maxillofaciale, hôpital d'instructions des armées Percy, 101, avenue Henri-Barbusse, 92141 Clamart cedex, France. jean-philippe.pradier@wanadoo.fr
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the evolution of the practice of free flaps in the treatment of tumoral and traumatic pathologies.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective study was realized on 328 free transfers. The authors compared two periods each of 10 years: series 1 concerns 176 flaps realized from March 12th 1981 to March 13th 1991 (already published); series 2 concerns 152 flaps realized from December 1st 1994 to November 30th 2004.
Results:
We noticed a decrease of the number of free flaps for lower limbs, a stabilization in the head and neck area and a clear increase in mammary reconstruction. Three donor sites were used in 89% of the cases: latissimus dorsi, forearm and rectus abdominis flaps. Others were used only one to seven times, for specific indications. Some surgical tactics saw their indication decrease (semi-free flap or "apple turnover" technique), others appeared (Y anastomoses). The number of failures decreased from one series to the other (from 5,7 to 2,6%).
Conclusion:
The variety of the flaps remains restricted. The choice is due to the constancy of their vascular anatomy, the size of the pedicles and the reproducibility of their teaching in a University Hospital.
