Cukurova Medical Journal (Mar 2011)
Operation Timing of Free Vascular Fibula Flep in Mandibular Reconstructions
Abstract
Free tissue transfers are commonly used popular approach with respect to the development of microsurgery. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the operation timing and the succes of the free fibula flap operations for 11 cases, which were applied for mandible reconstruction after the high velocity gundshot wound of face in Cukurova university, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery between 1986-2004. The ages of the patients were between 17-42 (Mean age 25.8). Ten of them were male (%90.9) and one of them female (%9.1). Defect of the mandible bone were measured between 4 to13 cm. Nine of them were also required to the reconstruction of soft tissues. Nine patients were operated for free flap transfer during the first year and 2 of the patients were operated after the 1 year as a late reconstruction. Free flap failures were noted independently defect size and localizations for three patients, which were operated at l.month, 12.month and after 1 year as a late reconstruction. Free flap failure were noted especially at groups of 10-30 ages and 40-50 ages. Two of them were reoperated but the succes of flap was achieved at the group of 20-30 ages. Flap ischemia time was found to be directly proportional to the flap failure rate. Flap success rate (%100) were achieved at the operations betvveen the 2 and 7 months (mean 4.4 months) with less than 1 mm decrease of bicortical cortical thickness of flap. In conclusion, free flap reconstructipn of mandible defect after the high velocity gunshot wound can be achieved with better results at 4.4 months and between the 30-40 years of ages. [Cukurova Med J 2011; 36(1): 41-46]
