The outcomes of free tissue transfers combined with vein grafts have been inconsistent, and discussions continue regarding their\nappropriate use.Of the 142 free tissue transfers that we performed from January 2004 toDecember 2011, we retrospectively analyzed\n15 consecutive patients who underwent free tissue transfers in combination with vein grafts. Etiologies included trauma (8 patients),\ninfection (4), and tumor (3). Types of free tissue transfers were fibula (4), anterolateral thigh (3), groin (3), jejunum (3), latissimus\ndorsi (1), and dorsal pedis (1). Vein grafts were used for the artery (6), vein (2), or both (7).Thedonor veins were the saphenous vein\n(12) and the external jugular vein (3).Themean length of the grafted veins was 10.8 cm (range: 4ââ?¬â??18 cm). Even though complications\nof congestion occurred in 2 patients, these flaps survived by reexploration. The flap success rate was 15 of 15 (100%) of vein grafted\nfree flaps versus 124 of 127 (97.6%) of free flaps not requiring vein grafts. To improve the success rate of free tissue transfers combined\nwith vein grafts, securing healthy recipient vessels, meticulous surgical handling, a reliable vascular anastomosis technique, and\nstrict postoperative monitoring are crucial.
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