Vascularized free flap transfers.

The success of a free flap transfer depends entirely on the suture of a paired artery and vein between the donor and recipient sites. The interrupted suturing method with biangulation or successive interrupted suturing is the method of choice. The size of the site, small or large, does not effect either the resulting patency or the process of intimal healing. When occlusion of the anastomosed site is encountered, the transferred free flap can be saved by exploration within 6 hours after surgery. Reapplication of the clamp proximally or distally to the anastomosed site does not change the patency rate. Free groin flaps can be successfully transferred in 2 orthopedic cases.