ABSTRACT
Background: The purpose of study is to report the initial experience of the authors with microsurgical procedures to reconstruct complex defects, in an attempt to create a reconstructive microsurgery group in a general hospital. Methods: Twenty microsurgical procedures (head and neck, superior and inferior limb reconstruction) were performed between November/2003 and February/2007. The complications were divided into immediate (operative period), early (until 21 days) and delayed (after 21 days). Complications related to reconstruction itself were divided into minor (partial necrosis or partial satisfaction) or major (total necrosis or no satisfaction). Complications related to donor sites were divided into minor (surgical repair) or major (deformity not acceptable). Results were divided into good, acceptable and bad. The flap survival rate was 73.3% with four total necrosis cases. The total recuperation rate after nervous reconstruction was 60% while the partial rate was 40%. Results: It was reported 13.3% of immediate complications and 20% of early complication related to reconstruction itself, and the results were classified as good (75%) and bad (25%). It was observed 15% of early complications related to donor site and the results were classified as good (95%) and acceptable (5%). Conclusions: These results demonstrated that microsurgical procedures are safe and with little morbidity at donor site, which supports the feasibility of creation of a reconstructive microsurgery group. It is probably that better selection of patients and progression of learning curve will gradually increase the flap survival rate.
Keywords: Microsurgery. Surgical flaps. Outcome assessment (health care).