title: Outcome and complications of 540 microvascular free flaps: the Hamburg experience.
abstract: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze surgical outcome and complications of 540 free flap procedures performed at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf during 1987-2005. A total of 532 patients were reconstructed with 540 flaps: 32% were latissimus dorsi flaps, 23% were radial forearm flaps, 21% were iliac crest flaps, 10% were fibula flaps, 6% were jejunal flaps, and 8% were other flaps. Thrombosis of one of the vessels and hematoma were the most frequent causes of failure in microvascular free tissue transfer. A total free flap failure occurred in 34 (6.2%) and a partial flap failure in 42 (7.7%) patients. The most reliable flap in regard to survival was the radial forearm flap. The present study confirms that free flaps are extremely reliable in achieving successful reconstruction of the head and neck.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany. ppohlenz@uke.uni-hamburg.de
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pohlenz
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blessmann
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Blake
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schmelzle
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heiland
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*