A Survey of U.K. Units and a Suggested Protocol for Free Flap Reconstruction of the Lower Limb: Follow-up and Management in the First Postoperative Week

ABSTRACT

A survey was performed of U.K. lower-limb reconstruction services and the protocol for management of free flaps to the lower limb in the first postoperative week. The postoperative period is of vital importance in these patients due to the complex nature of microsurgical tissue transfer. A range of answers were received in response to the questions regarding protocols, with no overall consensus on the postoperative plan for these patients. Patients are being managed differently in different units across the United Kingdom. A protocol that has been used successfully by the senior author is described, and we encourage others without a protocol to adopt this one.

KEYWORDS

Lower limb - free flap - protocol

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