Definition: Free flap surgery involves transplanting a patient's own tissue from one part of the body, such as the leg or arm, to another area, typically in the head and neck.
Purpose: Used to reconstruct defects, often necessitated by cancer treatment, trauma, or significant deformities.
Procedure Details
Tissue Transplanted:
Skin
Underlying fascia or muscle
Blood vessels that supply the tissue
Process: The tissue, along with its blood vessels, is moved to the head and neck area where the blood vessels are then sewn together.
Complexity and Expertise
Complexity: Described as highly technical.
Duration: The surgery can take many hours.
Expertise Required: Requires a great deal of surgical expertise.
Passion and Impact
Personal Connection: The speaker expresses a strong passion for performing these surgeries.
Patient Care: Provides the ability to care for patients who have:
Cancer
Undergone significant trauma
Major deformities
Conclusion
Free flap surgery is a critical, technically demanding procedure used to restore function and appearance to patients with significant medical conditions affecting the head and neck.