Pre-operative evaluation of the lower extremity prior to microvascular free fibula flap harvest.

The microvascular free fibula flap, is currently one of the preferred methods for reconstruction of the oromandibular defect. The patency of the major vessels in the donor limb should be evaluated before the fibula is harvested because the blood supply can be inadequate to safely utilise this flap. The best method of evaluating, pre-operatively, the lower limb vasculature is controversial. Femoral angiography has been considered as the gold standard, however, the current literature advocates less invasive methods of assessment such as magnetic resonance angiography and colour flow Doppler. A postal questionnaire was sent to all members of The British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists asking details of the preferred method of lower limb vascular assessment prior to fibula flap harvest. Of 137 responses, 48 performed free fibula flaps. Of these 48 surgeons, the preferred method for evaluation was palpation of pulses combined with either angiography (40%) or Doppler on the ward (38%). None of this subgroup of surgeons utilised colour flow Doppler as a first line investigation despite this being available to 67% of responders. This survey highlights the diversity in pre-operative assessment amongst surgeons performing fibula flaps for head and neck malignancy. Few relied on clinical examination alone; however, the less invasive methods of vascular imaging were seldom utilised.