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Experience with one hundred consecutive free flaps.

G B Irons, M B Wood, E H Schmitt

    Annals of Plastic Surgery
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

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    This review of 100 free flap operations found the lower leg to be the most common defect site, often caused by osteomyelitis or trauma. Latissimus dorsi and tensor fascia lata were effective flaps, with most failures managed non-amputation.

    Area of Science:

    • Reconstructive Surgery
    • Microsurgery
    • Plastic Surgery

    Background:

    • Free flap surgery is a complex reconstructive technique.
    • Understanding outcomes of early free flap procedures is crucial for optimizing patient care.
    • Identifying common defect sites, causes, and flap types informs surgical planning.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the outcomes of the first 100 free flap operations performed.
    • To analyze the characteristics of defects, the types of flaps utilized, and their success rates.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of 100 consecutive free flap operations.
    • Tabulation of defect location, etiology, flap type, and patient outcomes.
    • Analysis of flap success, failure, and subsequent management.

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    Main Results:

    • The lower leg was the most frequent site for defects requiring free flaps.
    • Osteomyelitis and trauma were the leading causes of these defects.
    • Latissimus dorsi and tensor fascia lata flaps demonstrated high utility.
    • Flap failure occurred in 15 patients; 13 achieved wound closure via other means, and 2 required amputation.
    • One patient with a successful free flap ultimately underwent amputation due to recurrent osteomyelitis.

    Conclusions:

    • Free flap surgery is a valuable reconstructive option, particularly for lower leg defects caused by trauma or osteomyelitis.
    • Careful selection of flap type, such as latissimus dorsi or tensor fascia lata, is important for successful outcomes.
    • While flap failure can necessitate alternative closure methods or amputation, successful flaps generally provide durable reconstruction.