Microvascular free flaps for reconstruction

Abstract

The development of microvascular free flaps has significantly affected our reconstructive principles. In many situations, it has become the procedure of choice. Thus, defects caused by trauma, tumour resection, infection and irradiation or related to congenital anomalies can be adequately covered by microvascular free flaps. Free flaps have also evolved from skin to tissues such as muscle, bone, toes, and other composite flaps, and the factors affecting their choice include patient's needs, defect characteristics, donor site morbidity, and surgeon's experience. Recent advances in surgical techniques, thrombolytic drugs for flap salvage, prefabrication technique, synergistic use of tissue expander and osteogenesis by callus distraction will contribute to the future development of microvascular free flap.