ABSTRACT
Background: Microvascular free tissue transfer is an important method for reconstructing complex surgical and traumatic defects; allowing single stage reconstruction in most instances. This study reviews the first 19 consecutive free tissue transfer (free flap) reconstructions at Mengo hospital; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of the first 19 surgical reconstructions using microvascular free tissue (free flap) transfer techniques from 2005 to date was done. Results: 10 males and 8 females have had surgical reconstructions with free flaps during this period. Average age of patients was 23yrs; ranging from 7 years to 42 years. The majority of reconstructions were in the head and neck region (n=14; 74Background: Microvascular free tissue transfer is an important method for reconstructing complex surgical and traumatic defects; allowing single stage reconstruction in most instances. This study reviews the first 19 consecutive free tissue transfer (free flap) reconstructions at Mengo hospital; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of the first 19 surgical reconstructions using microvascular free tissue (free flap) transfer techniques from 2005 to date was done. Results: 10 males and 8 females have had surgical reconstructions with free flaps during this period. Average age of patients was 23yrs; ranging from 7 years to 42 years. The majority of reconstructions were in the head and neck region (n=14; 74) followed by lower limb (n=3; 16) and upper limb reconstructions (n=2; 10). Indications for reconstructions using free flaps included extensive loss of scalp; extensive loss of soft tissue following open tibial fractures; bomb blast injuries to the face; Noma; Romberg's disease; ameloblastoma. Overall flap survival rate of 79. Head and neck reconstructions flap survival rate of 83.3; lower limb and upper limb free flap survival rates of 33.3and 100respectively