Retrospective review of 400 consecutive free flap reconstructions for oncologic surgical defects

Free tissue transfer has become an important method for reconstructing complex oncologic surgical defects, allowing single stage reconstruction in most instances. The purpose of this study is to review a single center's experience with free flap reconstruction and describe trends that have evolved with respect to technique and donor site selection.

A retrospective review of 400 consecutive free flap reconstructions performed in 396 patients over 10 years was done. Regional applications include the head and neck (63%), trunk and breast (16%), lower extremity (16%), and upper extremity (5%). Donor sites include the fibula (109), rectus abdominis (93), forearm (72), latissimus dorsi (51), scapula (26), gluteus (25), jejunum (16), and five others (8). Microvascular anastomoses were performed to large-caliber vessels using a continuous suture technique; end-to-end anastomoses were preferred. Flaps were designed to avoid the need for vein grafts. Postoperative flap monitoring included clinical observation, conventional Doppler ultrasonography, surface temperature probes, and pinprick testing.

The overall free flap success rate was 97%. Twenty-eight flaps (7%) were reexplored, of which seventeen were salvaged (61%). Surviving flaps resulted in a healed wound that did not delay postoperative radiation or chemotherapy. The complication rate was 14%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 21 days, with an average cost of $40,000.

The use of fewer, reliable donor sites to reconstruct the vast majority of oncologic defects and the simplification of the microsurgical process have contributed to the success of free tissue transfer in this series.