Free flap surgery at Mengo Hospital, Uganda - A review of the first 19 consecutive microvascular free tissue transfers

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, 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 33.3% and 100% respectively.