Salvage outcomes of free tissue transfer in Liverpool: trends over 18 years (1992–2009)

Reconstruction of surgical defects in the head and neck using microvascular free tissue transfer is reliable with success rates in excess of 95%. Our previous audit (1992–1998) showed that 16% of patients required an early return to theatre, and the overall free flap salvage rate was 73%. The medical records of 37 patients who had required early return to theatre (within 7 days) after free tissue transfer were analysed to ascertain the indication for reoperation, and whether surgical intervention had been successful, taking into account the timing and cause of compromise. The results of a retrospective re-audit (1999–2004 and 2005–2009) showed that the return to theatre rate had reduced to 4% overall because of a reduction in the number of cases: those that required evacuation of a neck haematoma, and venous compromise of fasciocutaneous or perforator free flaps. Salvage of flaps was most successful when done within the first 24 h, and in cases of venous compromise. Three percent of free flaps failed without attempted salvage; most were late failures. Overall survival (1992–2009) for composite free flaps (93%) was lower than for fasciocutaneous or perforator free flaps (96%). Between 2005 and 2009 our overall free flap survival rate was 98%.