[Value of polarography in the control of viability of free compound flaps]

Time course of oxygen tension in 30 free compound flaps was studied by the polarographic method. The use of two types of polarographic electrodes--open needle and closed membrane epicutaneous--in control over the viability of free compound flaps revealed essential differences in the obtained results. Zero pO2 value in measurement with an epicutaneous electrode is not always evidence of flap non-viability. A negative "oxygen test" in measurement with an open needle electrode was an indication for a repeated operation. Repeated operations were undertaken for circulatory disorders after transplantation of 13 flaps and were successful in 8 cases. In 10 of these 13 cases the circulatory disorder was detected in the stage of subcompensation.