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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Reconstructive surgery including free flap transfers can be performed in low-resource settings: experiences from a
1Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Northern Norway, Tromsoe, Norway.
Background:
Severe wartime injuries often require microsurgical reconstruction or pedicle flap transfer. The aim of the study is to explore if such reconstructive surgery can be performed under low-resource conditions in a rural area.
Methods:
A clinical intervention study was performed at rural hospital in a war scenario in the Balkans.
Results:
Thirty-four patients underwent microsurgical postinjury reconstructions for land mine or blast injuries. Five different types of flaps were used. Three patients developed postoperative complications and was reoperated (8.3%, 95% CI 1.8-22.5%).
Conclusions:
The actual intervention demonstrates that skilled surgical teams can perform advanced reconstructive surgery in low-resource settings. The experience is not only relevant for wartime scenarios, but also in civilian trauma where decentralization of microsurgical service may be feasible.
