title: Microvascular free tissue transfer in reconstruction of the lower limb.
abstract: Reconstruction of the lower extremity using microvascular free tissue transfer has been adopted as a routine procedure since the 1980s. Success rates in overall free tissue transfer are now as high as 98%. In the lower limb, however, the failure rate has been reported to be as high as 15 to 20%. A review of 50 consecutive microvascular free flaps to the lower extremity was carried out in the Ulster Hospital Belfast. The indication for surgery, the flap type, the recipient vessel, re-exploration rate, complication rate, success rate and the changing pattern in management during the first six years of a single consultant's practice was assessed. Six patients (12%) were re-explored for anastomotic complications or haematoma. Thrombosis of the arterial anastomosis was noted in one case, venous thrombosis in two and haematoma under the flap in the remaining three cases. Salvage was successful in four cases, thus producing an overall success rate of 96%.
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Maxillofacial Service, The Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1RH, UK. mhbasheer@aol.com
authors.forename: M Haj
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Basheer
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Herbert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D008833:Microcirculation; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome