Fifty consecutive free flaps in a new microsurgical unit

Fifty free flap operations in 49 patients were performed in Oulu University Central Hospital during a three year period. The patients' ages ranged from 15 to 83 years; mean 41 years. The indication for the operation was malignant tumor in 19 cases, benign tumor in one case, trauma in 28 cases and congenital anomaly in 2 cases. The radial forearm flap was used in 36 cases; latissimus dorsi in 7 cases; lateral arm, rectus abdominis, and fibula in two cases; and second toe in one case. Forty-nine of the fifty flaps were successful (98%); two venous thromboses were successfully revised. Starting microsurgery in a new unit is demanding but also rewarding due to the good results.