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European Journal of Plastic Surgery
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery 2/2015

01-04-2015 | Original Paper

Experience of 592 free tissue transfers: the case for clinical assessment alone to monitor free flaps

Authors: Iain Stuart Whitaker, Zita Maria Jessop, Damien Grinsell

Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Background

Monitoring the microcirculation postoperatively has been the subject of numerous original articles and reviews since the early 1980s. Effective monitoring returns compromised flaps to the operating room early, increases the flap success and reduces secondary complications. We would like to present the case based on our experiences that clinical monitoring alone is sufficient for the majority of patients.

Methods

Using a retrospective case note review, we present the experiences of the senior surgeon (DG) in his first 592 consecutive free tissue transfers in practice.

Results

The overall success rate was 98.9 % (585/592) with an overall salvage rate of 93 % (13/14).

Conclusions

Clinical monitoring provides sufficient reassurance in the majority of patients undergoing free tissue transfers. We believe that buried flaps and flaps to the lower limb may warrant adjunctive monitoring techniques on a case-by-case basis.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, diagnostic study.
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Metadata
Title
Experience of 592 free tissue transfers: the case for clinical assessment alone to monitor free flaps
Authors
Iain Stuart Whitaker
Zita Maria Jessop
Damien Grinsell
Publication date
01-04-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Plastic Surgery / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 0930-343X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-0130
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1064-7

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