Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer Research Articles

Supplemental Regional Block Anesthesia Reduces Opioid Utilization Following Free Flap Reconstruction of the Oral Cavity: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

Regional anesthesia has been shown to effectively manage acute pain and reduce opioid utilization in the early postoperative period following colorectal, orthopedic, and thoracic surgeries. The same effect, however, has not been demonstrated in major head and neck surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine whether supplemental regional anesthesia reduces opioid utilization following microvascular free flap reconstruction of the oral cavity. A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted for patients undergoing oral cavity reconstruction using microvascular free tissue transfer between January 2020 and March 2022. The predictor variable was a regional anesthetic nerve block, delivered preoperatively, at the flap donor site. The primary and secondary outcomes were opioid utilization, measured in oral morphine equivalent (OME), from postoperative day 1 to 5, and hospital length of stay (LOS), respectively. Covariates included age, sex, tobacco and alcohol history, prior radiation therapy, pathology, oral site, flap type, tracheostomy, and neck dissection. Student's t test, χ2 test, and linear regression models were computed using correlations with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For all statistical tests, P values of <.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Ninety-eight participants completed the study. The mean age was 56years with 55% male. Forty-eight patients received a presurgical regional anesthesia block, and 50 patients served as control subjects. Bivariate analysis demonstrated an even distribution of all study variables. Total OME utilization was significantly less in the treatment group compared to the control group, (166.32 vs 118.43 OME; 95% CI, 1.32 to 94.45; P=.04). The LOS was comparable (6.60 vs 6.48days; 95% CI, -0.53 to 0.77; P=.71). Tobacco use had a positive effect (B=0.28; 95% CI, 21.63 to 115.31; P=.005) while the block had a negative effect with total OME, (B=-0.19; 95% CI, -90.39 to -0.59; P=.047). The extent of the neck dissection (B=0.207; 95% CI, 0.026 to 1.403; P=.042) was a positive predictor for LOS. Overall, there were no adverse events associated with the regional block throughout the study period. Supplemental regional anesthesia is safe and associated with reduced opioid utilization in patients undergoing vascularized free flap reconstruction of composite oral cavity defects and does not prolong the length of hospitalization.

The impact of volume and surgical throughput on outcomes in head and neck reconstruction: a systematic review

Background: Microvascular free tissue transfer is the standard of care for head and neck reconstruction. It is suggested that the volume of cases/surgical throughput might be linked to better free flap outcomes, following the pattern of other surgical disciplines. However, the literature evidence is unclear.

Risk factors for evaluating early mortality after microvascular reconstruction of head and neck cancers.

Free tissue transfer reconstruction carries significant complication rates in surgical head and neck oncology. A registry-based approach offers a possibility to investigate the factors affecting increased morbidity and early mortality, that is, death within 6 months of treatment. A retrospective registry review was conducted on a series of 317 consecutive microvascular free tissue transfers in head and neck cancer patients performed during 2013-2017 at the Helsinki University Hospital (Helsinki, Finland). All surviving patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 24-84 months). Overall, 36 (11.4%) early deaths occurred in this series. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients aged 75 years and older (p = 0.019), Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) score of 3 (p = 0.048), tumor class T3 (p = 0.005), lymph node class N2 (p = 0.014), or thrombocyte count of 360 (× 109 L) or more (p = 0.001) were more likely to die within 6 months of surgery. Of these 36 patients, 27 (75%) had a complication warranting hospital care and most (n = 22, 61%) had several complications. Early postoperative mortality most frequently affects patients aged 75 years and above, with a high ACE-27 score, advanced tumor stage, or high thrombocyte count. Therefore, preoperative assessment and patient selection should have a crucial role in this patient population.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Microdialysis in Postoperative Flap Monitoring.

Postoperative monitoring plays an important role in achieving success in microvascular free tissue transfer. A systematic review was designed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of microdialysis in flap monitoring and a meta-analysis was conducted for diagnostic accuracies. The search terms "microdialysis" and "flap" were used in a PubMed and Scopus search, resulting in 60 and 78 results, respectively. Among 78 titles, 15 articles were excluded. Among 63 abstracts, 43 abstracts were excluded. From 20 full texts, 7 articles were excluded because they did not have sufficient content (ie, the statistical values in question). A systematic review was conducted of the final 13 articles. The overall sensitivity was 97.24% [95% confidence interval (CI)=93.67%-99.10%]. Eleven of the 13 studies showed 100% sensitivity and 2 studies had 2 and 3 false negative results, resulting in sensitivity values of 85.8% and 95.3%. Specificity ranged from 91.89% to 100%, and the overall value was 98.15% (95% CI=96.80%-99.04%). The positive predictive value ranged from 84.62% to 100%, with an overall value of 93.62% (95% CI=89.33%-96.26%). The negative predictive value ranged from 94.44% to 100%, with an overall value of 99.22% (95% CI=98.17%-99.67%). The overall flap success rate (survival rate) was 93.7% (786/839). The lowest flap survival rate was 86.7% and the highest was 100%. Microdialysis provides excellent diagnostic accuracy and enables the early detection of ischemia in postoperative flap monitoring. Although microdialysis is not the most popular choice among surgeons, it should be considered adjacent to conventional clinical monitoring. Cost-effectiveness, availability, and ease of application remain hurdles.

Restarting Therapeutic Antibiotics Following Postoperative Prophylaxis in Head and Neck Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer.

To determine factors associated with restarting therapeutic antibiotics within 30 days of head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (HN-MFTT). Retrospective study of consecutive HN-MFTTs performed from January 2015 to July 2020. Tertiary academic medical center. Thirty-day postoperative antibiotic use and post-HN-MFTT surgical and medical complications were assessed. Univariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate risk factors associated with restarting antibiotics. overall 482 patients with 501 HN-MFTTs were stratified by duration of prophylaxis: ≤24 hours (n = 136, 27.1%), 25-72 hours (n = 54, 10.8%), and >72 hours (n = 311, 62.1%). Antibiotics were restarted in 199 patients (209 procedures, 42%). The most common indications for antibiotic reinitiation were flap recipient site infection (n = 59, 28%); hospital-acquired pneumonia (n = 44, 21%); and wound dehiscence, fluctuance, or change in quality of drain output (n = 44, 21%). Shorter antibiotic prophylaxis (≤24 hours) (odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0; P = .003), osteocutaneous flaps (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.3-3.4; P = .001), and prior immunotherapy/chemotherapy (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.2-4.3; P = .01) were associated with reinitiation of antibiotics for surgical infections. Restarting antimicrobials for nosocomial infections was associated with aerodigestive defects (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.1-5.2; P = .019), cardiovascular disease (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.5-5.9; P = .001), and medical comorbidities approximated by American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.5-5.4; P = .002). Aerodigestive reconstruction, 24-hour postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 and 4, prior chemotherapy/immunotherapy, cardiovascular disease, and osteocutaneous flaps are associated with reinitiation of antibiotics within 30 days of HN-MFTT.

Factors determining postoperative length of stay and time to resumption of feeding following free flap reconstruction for oral cancer

Microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction following resection of oral cancer is commonly chosen as the first line of treatment due to its superior functional outcomes. Multiple patient and surgical factors impact the length of postoperative stay, and the time taken for patients to recommence oral feeding. This study aimed to identify factors that increase the length of stay and time to resumption of feeding. We retrospectively evaluated 100 cases from March 2015 to October 2020, and identified variables associated with increased length of stay (LOS) and time to resumption of feeding in univariate and multivariate analyses. Factors found to be associated with increased LOS in multivariate analysis were increasing age, elective tracheostomy, tumours originating from the floor of the mouth and mandible, a longer operating time, and use of fibular free flaps (p<0.05). Tracheostomy, increasing age, and female gender were strongly associated with delays in resumption of some types of oral feeding, and an integrated critical care unit (ICCU) stay of two or more days was associated with a longer time to resumption of free fluids. This information can be used to anticipate extensions to typical LOS, to produce cost analyses, develop individual patient risk stratification, manage patient expectations, and target the use of enhanced recovery programmes.

Self-inflicted craniomaxillofacial gunshot wounds: management, reconstruction, and outcomes

Suicide by firearm remains one of the leading causes of violence-related injury death in the United States each year. The mortality rate from these injuries is high, resulting in a paucity of outcome data in the literature regarding injuries to the maxillofacial region. This has largely been attributed to a lack of funding for research in this area compared to other leading causes of mortality in the United States. The aim of this study was to detail the authors’ experience and approach to complex maxillofacial reconstruction using both local reconstructive methods and microvascular free tissue transfer. A retrospective cohort study was designed, including patients who sustained self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the maxillofacial region between January 1, 2012 and May 1, 2020. Forty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the patients were male (87.8%). Mean patient age was 44.2 ± 16.6 years. Alcohol or drugs, and a psychiatric history were present in a majority of the cases. The most involved anatomical region was the midface (75.6% of cases). Seven patients required free tissue transfer for reconstruction, with many needing multiple flaps. Self-inflicted gunshot wounds represent challenging reconstruction scenarios, often in the setting of severe psychological trauma, and require a multidisciplinary team to ensure the optimal outcome.

Awareness of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialty among Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a relatively young surgical specialty with roots in dentistry and medicine. It has expanded with time from simple extraction of the tooth to the reconstruction of the facial deformity using microvascular free tissue transfer. Objectives: To find out prevalence of awareness of oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty among medical students of Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Nepal. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2020. A total of 100 medical students were chosen by convenience sampling method. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed in Google forms and sent to study participants through an internet link to assess the awareness of oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty. Data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Results: The data showed that 81 (81%) of medical students have heard of oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty. Most of the students expected oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment of fracture of the lower jaw [86(86%)], upper jaw [89(89%)] and cheekbone [91(91%)]. Many students expected oral and maxillofacial surgeons to treat tumours of jaws [78(78%], cysts of jaws [77(77%)], temporomandibular joint disorders [74(74%)]. Few students expected oral and maxillofacial surgeon for dental implants [16(16%)] and lip repositioning surgery [4(4%)]. Conclusion: The majority of medical students have heard of Oral and maxillofacial specialty; however, they are not fully aware of the expertise and potentiality of the specialty.

FlapMap Visual Language System for Vascular Imaging Prior to Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer.

Summary:Preoperative vascular imaging has been shown to be beneficial before free tissue transfer procedures, especially for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction. Although computerized tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiogram are increasingly frequently performed, there is no standardized method for recording, analyzing, and communicating the vast amount of clinically relevant information that is obtained from these tomographic imaging studies. Herein, the authors propose a new visual language system for preoperative imaging called “FlapMap,” which allows for the creation of a clinically actionable, easily understood, and easily communicated single image that aids in preoperative planning before microvascular free tissue transfer.

Nonreplantable Total Scalp Avulsion Reconstruction with Acellular Biologic Matrix and Long-Term Outcome

Total scalp avulsion is a significant injury typically occurring as a result of industrial accidents involving high-speed rotary machines. Although ideal, scalp replantation is uncommon secondary to the nature of the injury and lack of viable microvas-cular anastomosis targets. Therefore, these defects are often reconstructed with microvascular free tissue transfer, with or without skin grafting. We present a unique case of a patient with total scalp avulsion achieving complete, stable skin coverage over partially intact periosteum using only spare parts of the amputated scalp as a temporary full-thickness graft and porcine urinary bladder matrix, thus, avoiding significant donor site morbidity or extensive surgery. At 4 years postoperative, the scalp coverage remains stable.

Recipient bed perfusion as a predictor for postoperative complications in irradiated patients with microvascular free tissue transfer of the head and neck area: a clinical analysis of 191 microvascular free flaps

PurposeDespite microvascular free tissue transfer being the mainstay of care in the reconstruction of larger maxillofacial defects, a significant number of patients experience postoperative complications due to impaired blood supply of the flap. In this context, the early influence of recipient bed perfusion remains unclear, but there is evidence that it is associated with free flap viability immediately after surgery.MethodsWe analyzed flap and recipient bed perfusion within the first 2 weeks after surgery by using the oxygen-to-see device. One hundred ninety-one patients who underwent free flap surgery in our department were included.ResultsFlow parameters were higher and postoperative complications were less frequent in radial forearm free flaps compared to any other type of flap. Flow parameters of the recipient bed were higher than transferred tissue at all times, implicating flap autonomization is not completed within 2 weeks. Previous radiotherapy significantly decreased flow parameters of the recipient bed but not of the flaps. Furthermore, irradiated patients with postoperative complications were found to have reduced flow parameters of their recipient bed compared to non-irradiated patients with postoperative complications.ConclusionWe conclude that monitoring of recipient bed perfusion is useful for detecting flap compromise of irradiated patients in the early postoperative period.

Outcomes with culture-directed antibiotics following microvascular free tissue reconstruction for osteonecrosis of the jaw

ObjectivesRadiation (ORNJ) and bisphosphonate-related (BRONJ) osteonecrosis of the jaw represent challenging entities to treat, with many patients requiring segmental resection and reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) in the setting of failed conservative therapy. Microvascular reconstruction is associated with higher post-operative complication rates when performed for advanced osteonecrosis versus oncologic defects. We hypothesize that basing antibiotic therapy on cultures obtained from the healthy bone marrow following resection during MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ reduces rates of post-operative wound and surgical complications. Materials and methodsIn a retrospective cohort study spanning January 2016 to October 2018, 44 patients undergoing MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ were identified. Patients were categorized into two cohorts: residual healthy marrow culture (n = 11; RHM), treated with antibiotics guided by cultures from healthy appearing mandible, and all others (n = 33; AO), treated with antibiotics guided by cultures from resected necrotic bone or purulent drainage. Patient, reconstruction, and outcome variables were compared via appropriate statistical tools. Results81.8% of the RHM cohort versus 24.2% of the AO cohort received long-term IV antibiotics. Rates of post-operative wound complications, including those necessitating operative management, were significantly lower in the RHM cohort. Rates of flap failure were similar across both groups. ConclusionAdministration of long-term IV antibiotics directed by native mandible cultures may decrease complication rates following MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ by treating residual, smoldering infection. Concurrently, transplantation of well-vascularized free tissue likely improves antibiotic delivery. Findings are crucial for the development of a standardized treatment algorithm following microvascular reconstruction for advanced osteonecrosis.

Safety of microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction of the head and neck in the setting of chronic pharmacologic immunosuppression.

Patients on chronic pharmacologic immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of wound infection and complications after surgery. There is a paucity of data examining perioperative complications after microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) reconstruction of the head and neck in this patient population. Retrospective cohort study performed at two tertiary referral centers between August 2016 and May 2020. Nine hundred and seventy-nine patients underwent MVFTT during the study period; of these 47 (5%) patients were taking chronic immunosuppressive medications. The most common indications for immunosuppression were solid organ transplant and autoimmune disease. Fourteen (30%) patients had surgical complications within 30 days of surgery: 8 (17%) wound dehiscences, 6 (12%) hematomas, and 2 (4%) surgical site infections. There was one total and one partial flap failure with a 30-day reoperation rate of 4%. MVFTT of the head and neck appears to be safe in patients on chronic pharmacologic immunosuppression.

Preoperative Predictors of Free Flap Failure.

Microvascular free tissue transfer is an important reconstructive option for defects of the head and neck. The present study aims to identify preoperative patient- and tumor-specific characteristics, laboratory values, and other risk factors associated with early free flap failure. Retrospective cohort study of 1070 patients. Head and neck surgical oncology service at a tertiary care center from 2005 to 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, treatment history, and cancer stage were collected for consecutive patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the head and neck and experienced early free flap failure (<8 days from surgery). In 1070 patients, the prevalence of early free flap failure was 3.8% (n = 41). Female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% CI, 1.36-4.99), presence of peripheral vascular disease (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.05-6.57), and elevated preoperative platelet count (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.20-5.47) were independently associated with risk of early free flap failure. Female sex, peripheral vascular disease, and preoperative thrombocytosis are all strong predictors of early free flap failure. This suggests that hypercoagulability and poor vessel quality may predispose patients to flap loss. Patients with elevated platelets or peripheral vascular disease warrant careful reconstructive decision making and close monitoring in the perioperative period.

Clinical outcomes for microvascular reconstruction in oral cancers: experience from a single surgical centre.

Reconstruction of a surgical defect is an important part of the management of oral cancers. Microvascular free flap construction provides better functional and cosmetic outcomes. Between 2014 and 2020, some 524 patients underwent microvascular reconstruction. Comorbidity variables were scored using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Complications were recorded using Clavien-Dindo criteria. Eighty-three (15.84%), 339 (64.69%) and 102 (19.47%) patients underwent free radial forearm flap, free anterolateral thigh flap and free fibula osteocutaneous flap (FFOCF), respectively. Clavien-Dindo complications of grade III and above were seen in 39 (7.44%) patients. Total flap loss was seen in 18 patients and of these, 16 were salvaged using alternative free flaps or pedicled flaps. On univariate analysis, overall and major complication rates were higher in FFOCF (p=0.171). Major complications significantly more common in patients with a CCI score >4 (p=0.001). Patients aged >65 years had higher rates of complications (p=0.03). Microvascular free tissue transfer is a reliable, safe and gold standard modality in surgical reconstruction and can be replicated in non-institutional settings.

Assessment of Speech and Deglutition in Patients with Carcinoma Tongue Post Radial Forearm Free Flap Cover.

Over the past 30years, the introduction of reconstructive techniques incorporating microvascular free tissue transfer has transformed the quality of life of patients undergoing head and neck surgery.The free forearm flap was first described for head and neck reconstruction by Yang in 1981 when he used this flap to reconstruct a neck defect secondary to a burn scar contracture.In this retrospective cohort study, we have evaluated patients who underwent reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defect with radial forearm free flap for malignancy of tongue, from year 2018 to 2020, with reference to deglutition and speech.As per the data obtained, 41.7% and 50% of the patients had achieved excellently intelligible speech and moderately intelligible speech respectively whereas only 8.3% had poorly intelligible speech. On evaluation of post operative swallowing, 83.4% of the patients had excellent swallowing score and the remaining 16.6% had moderate and poor swallowing score.Hence, reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects with radial forearm free flap is an excellent method to restore the functional outcomes in speech and deglutition.

Bone Union of Osseous Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer in Mandibular Reconstruction.

ObjectivesOsseous microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) is the gold standard for reconstruction for most segmental mandibulectomy defects. The most common osseous MFTT utilized in reconstruction is the fibular, scapular, and osteocutaneous radial forearm (OCRF) free flap. We evaluated postoperative bone union as well as clinical complications following MFTT and the impact of various patient and reconstructive characteristics, including type of osseous MFTT.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary care academic hospital.MethodsThis study examined patients who underwent osseous MFTT for mandibular defects from January 2017 to January 2019.ResultsAn overall 144 osteotomies in 58 patients were evaluated. Of the 144 junctions, 28 (19.4%) showed radiographic nonunion. Patients who underwent preoperative (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30, P = .027) and postoperative (OR = 0.28, P = .003) radiation had a significantly lower bone union score. Time from surgery to postoperative imaging was associated with higher bone union scores (OR = 1.07, P = .024). When bone union scores were compared among types of MFTT, fibular (OR = 5.62, P = .008) and scapular (OR = 4.69, P = .043) MFTT had significantly higher scores than OCRF MFTT. Twelve (20.7%) patients had postoperative complications. There was no statistically significant correlation between clinical complications and various variables, including type of osseous MFTT.ConclusionPre- and postoperative radiation and time from surgery have an impact on bone union. Regarding the type of MFTT, fibular and scapular MFTT appeared to have higher bone union when compared with OCRF. There was no impact of bone union or type of osseous MFTT on clinical complications.

Comparative Study of Muscle and Fascio-cutaneous Flaps for Coverage of Exposed Tibia

Background- Trauma is a leading cause of tibial fractures. In salvageable lower limb trauma, morbiditycan be greatly reduced with early soft tissue coverage of exposed tibia. Muscle flaps have traditionallybeen preferred over fascio-cutaneous flaps for coverage. With better description of the vascular supplyof the lower limb, however, there is now a shift towards fascio-cutaneous flaps: pedicled or free softtissue transfer.Methods- 216 patients who underwent flap coverage for exposed tibia in our institute between January2015 and December 2020 were evaluated in this retrospective, comparative study. Parameters studiedwere surgical complications, such as partial or complete flap necrosis, minor wound complications,venous congestion, donor-site complications; development of wound infection and osteomyelitis;duration of hospital stay; functional outcome and final aesthetic outcomeConclusion- Fascio-cutaneous flaps were found superior to muscle flaps for coverage of exposed tibiain many respects especially for middle and lower third defects. For upper third of tibia, gastrocnemiusmuscle and musculocutaneous flaps provide adequate coverage. But in case of middle and lower thirds,adequate coverage can be provided by perforator-based, propeller or distal sural flaps. If adequatedonor vessels are available, micro-vascular free soft tissue transfer, should be the preferred choice forlarge defects.

Six-years experience in major scalp defect reconstruction with free flap: analysis of the results.

Introduction:The purposes of this study were to report 10-years experiences in microsurgical reconstruction of major scalp defects, comparing outcomes, evaluating complications.Materials and methods:From November to July 2015, 10 consecutive patients underwent microsurgical procedures for severe scalp defects.Results:The average age was 55,1 years ranging from 6 to 87 years. The mean follow-up was 16.7 months ranging from 12 to 24 months. The size of the lesions ranged from 9x10 to 16x20cm. The average hospital stay was 20 days ranging from 8 to 43 days. Mean operative times was 5.3 h ranging from 5 to 6.45 h. Free flaps included 8 Latissimus Dorsi flaps (LD) and 2 anterolateral thigh flaps (ALT). The superficial temporal vessels were used as recipient vessels in 9 cases while the superior Thyroid artery was used in remaining case.Discussion:For large or complex lesions, the use of free flaps is mandatory. Nowadays LD and ALT flaps are among the most common reconstructive choices for scalp defects reconstructions. Older age does not contraindicate the operation procedure nevertheless in younger patients the size of vessels is proportionately larger and pristine.Conclusion:Microvascular free tissue transfer is the mainstay of scalp defects coverage. In our series early complications are less common and concerning than late complications and in fact reoperations are mainly required to manage these latter. Advanced age should be not consider a contraindication for free flap surgery and the procedure can be considered safe and reliable in both old and young population. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer for Reconstruction of Complex Abdominal Wall Defects.

Patients with significant loss of abdominal wall soft tissue represent a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study was to describe the authors' experience using microvascular free tissue transfer to repair complex abdominal wall defects with insufficient overlying soft tissue. In this report, the authors highlight their techniques and experiences in performing microvascular free tissue transfer to the abdominal wall for these massive, complex defects. In total, 14 patients who underwent 16 free-flap reconstructions were included in the series. The patients' mean age was 50 ± 14 years, and mean body mass index was 27 ± 5 kg/m2. The mean hernia defect size was 412 ± 149 cm2. Ten flaps were fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps, one myocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap, two subtotal thigh flaps, one myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap, one parascapular/latissimus dorsi flap, and one free filet of the lower leg. Five cases (36 percent) developed hernia recurrence, and seven developed surgical site complications. All flaps survived, with no total flap loss. This report highlights that microsurgical free tissue transfer in combination with mesh repair is a safe and reliable method for restoring complex, large, full-thickness abdominal wall defects. This case series illustrates a number of techniques and considerations that are of importance to achieve a favorable outcome when faced with these complex defects. Therapeutic, IV.