Vascular complications after free tissue transfer.

Between 1981 and 1992, 631 cases of free tissue transfer were operated on at our clinic. Of these cases, 489 were reviewed for vascular complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate retrospectively possible correlations between complications and operative faults. Vascular complications occurred in 16%. By immediate operative revision 50% of the cases with a vascular complication could be salvaged. In general, earlier diagnosis and treatment of vascular complications after free tissue transfer prompted a higher success rate of the surgical revision.