Some biological characteristics of transferred free flaps.

At the Clinic for plastic surgery and burns of the MMA, we examined 33 patients with transferred 5 cutaneous, 18 myocutaneous, and 10 osteocutaneous free flaps out of which 10 were done on foot, 13 on the lower leg, and 10 on the face. We analyzed the blood circulation (patency of arterial microanastomosis and perfusion) of transferred free flaps, recovery of sensitivity, functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands as well as histomorphologic changes in the skin of the transferred free flaps during the period of 6 up to 36 months after the free flap transfer and compared with the same characteristics of the skin and tissue of the surrounding area of the recipient region.