Abstract

OLVERA CABALLERO, C.. Five patients, eleven free flaps: long-term results. Cir. plást. iberolatinoam. [online]. 2006, vol.32, n.3, pp.161-168. ISSN 1989-2055.

Free flaps are useful to solve complex problems. Whenever there is an extensive loss of tissues or when other reconstructive methods have failed, they may provide the means to restore shape and function. This paper deals with five patients in whom eleven free flaps were used (two in four patients and three in one more case) to solve complex problems. Furthermore, long-term results are reported, with follow-up ranging from 7 to 17 years Indications to use more than one free flap in a patient are: replacing a first flap that was lost, a highly complex problem, the surgeon’s expertise, or when the patient wish for a similar reconstruction. In this series, complexity of the problem was the main indication for the double method. The recipient zone was the lower extremities in four of the patients and the face in the fifth. The etiology were burn sequelae in two, post-traumatic sequelae in two and postsurgical and mielomeningocele sequelae in one. Four latissimus dorsi flaps, five scapular flaps one peroneus and one gracilis flaps were used. The recipient sites and surgical technique are described. Long-term follow-up makes it possible to demonstrate the outstanding adaptability of free flaps, their resilience and their usefulness as a first-choice reconstructive procedure

Keywords : Microcirugía; Colgajos libres; Secuelas de traumatismos; Microsurgery; Free flaps; Trauma sequelae.

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