title: Microvascular free-flap reconstruction of a large defect of the scalp. Experience in a community hospital.
abstract: The authors present a patient who had postradiation necrosis of the skull and scalp measuring over 300 cm square which was reconstructed with a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap with overlying skin grafts. The procedure was performed in a community hospital with a team comprising two plastic surgeons and a neurosurgeon, with backup from physicians assistants and nursing staff. The successful outcome of this procedure was a direct result of the concerted effort of the surgical team. We believe that microvascular free-flap reconstruction, although a complicated procedure, can be performed at the community hospital as long as appropriate measures for the care of the patient are planned and carried out.
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic Surgery Norwalk Hospital.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Gulin
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Needham
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D012535:Scalp / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps