[Doppler sonography alone in the preoperative planning of free flap transplantations]

Successful transplantation of a free flap is dependent on a thorough knowledge of the circulatory conditions of the donor and the recipient sites. The Allen-test is not feasible in all cases and is not always dependable. Angiography is not only a strain for the patients but often involves risks. This paper gives an account of the Doppler-sonography investigation method based on documented studies of the radial and ulnar arteries and of the anterior and posterior tibial arteries. This method involves no strain on the patients and allows for precise assessment of the circulatory conditions of the donor and recipient sites.