Prediction of vascular complications following free tissue transfer

Thirty-five consecutive free tissue transfers were evaluated prospectively. A prediction of postoperative vascular complications was made at the time of wound closure. Two vascular complications occurred, each predicted intraoperatively. Conversely, the 33 flaps that did not develop vascular complications were correctly identified intraoperatively. Intraoperative findings that correlated with postoperative vascular complications were clinically recognizable changes in flap perfusion.