Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
[Project to improve the free flap survival rate in oral cancer microreconstruction free flap surgery]
Tsai-Rung Lin1, Ching-I Yang, Chao-Ying Wu
1Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, ROC. 890060@ms.kmuh.org.tw.
Background&Problems:
Free-flap thrombosis risk factors affect the success of microreconstruction surgery that involves the use of a free flap. The free flap survival rate in our unit was 92.65%. Relevant risk factors identified included: (1) poor nursing assessment cognizance and low accuracy rates; (2) lack of standardized of postoperative monitoring protocols; (3) lack of assessment tools; (4) inadequate inter-team communication; and (5) lack of a free flap care monitoring audit.
Purpose:
The purpose of this project was to improve the free flap survival rate from 92.65% to at least 97%.
Resolutions:
The authors: (1) held relevant educational training programs; (2) evaluated nurse skills in clinical settings; (3) established a standardized nursing monitoring protocol; (4) provided sufficient assessment equipment; (5) improved inter-team communication mechanisms; and (6) formulated a monitoring audit protocol.
Results:
The free flap survival rate rose from 92.65% to 100%, with no failed flaps during the assessment period December 2011 to May 2012.
Conclusions:
The resolutions proposed by this project may significantly improve the free flap survival rate.
