Free flap transfer in burn reconstruction.

Wound healing in burn patients with exposure of vital tissues has been greatly facilitated by the use of free flap transfers for reconstruction with good functional as well as aesthetic results. Preoperative angiography is not an indispensable way to localize recipient vessels. Knowledge of the changes that occur in vessels at the zone of injury is crucial in the selection and preparation for microsurgical anastomosis. One team approach is advocated because the plan for the procedure may be changed when no appropriate recipient vessel is located during the dissection. We present our study of ten cases followed up in the last six years. Nine cases were successful, and severe wound infection resulted in one flap failure. Proper recipient vessel selection and adequate wound debridement are important factors for successful free flap transfer in burn reconstruction.