Free flap or free tissue transfer is defined as the vascular dissection and detachment of an isolated and specific region of the body (skin, fat, muscle, bone) and transfer of said tissue to another region of the body. This ability to transplant living tissue from one region of the body to another has greatly facilitated the reconstruction of complex defects, including after cancer surgery. Free tissue transfer has become commonplace in many centres around the world and the numerous advantages of this technique include stable wound coverage, improved aesthetic and functional outcomes, and minimal donor site morbidity (Medscape).

This book is a guide to cancer reconstructive surgery with free flaps.

Beginning with an overview of surgical techniques, preoperative considerations, anaesthesia and discussion on thromboprophylaxis (prevention of blood clot formation), the following chapters cover free flaps for reconstruction in various different parts of the body.

The text is highly illustrated with more than 500 clinical photographs and diagrams, and also includes algorithms for common defects.

Key points

• Complete guide to cancer reconstructive surgery with free flaps
• Provides comprehensive overview of techniques, preoperative considerations, anaesthesia, and thromboprophylaxis
• Covers free flap reconstruction in various different parts of the body
• Highly illustrated with clinical photographs, diagrams and algorithms