Mis primeros 100 colgajos libres

Abstract

Introduction: Microsurgical techniques have been consolidated as a safe and reproducible reconstructive strategy with high success rates. They allow to successfully solve complex coverage defects. Its development has been driven by technological improvements, technical standardization and perioperative management. The development and implementation of microsurgery is a complex process, requiring a progressive work by the health team. Objective: Show experience accumulated by the main author in reconstructive surgery during his first 100 free flap and the technical changes due to the modernization. Material and Methods: Retrospective series of 100 free flaps performed by the lead author during the years 2010 to 2015. All patients submitted to reconstructive microsurgery with free flaps were included and no exclusion criteria were established. Clinical and surgical history were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Results: 100 free flaps, 62% of male patients, mean age 58 ± 15 years. The most used fins were fasciocutaneous (77%), in particular the anterolateral flap of the thigh (47%). Head and neck defects (47%) were the most frequent defects. There were 10 vascular complications (6 arterial and 4 venous), with a failure rate of 7%. Discussion: Teamwork, the use of horse flaps and new technologies are the cornerstone of the microsurgery experience presented. This corresponds to the continuation of the line of work sustained over time.