[Long-term experiences in plastic surgery treatment of radiation damage].

Over a period of 22 years the authors reconstructed 49 patients with radiation injuries of varying severity. The retrospective study examined the indications for the radiation therapy, the interval between the treatment and the development of tissue damage, its site and severity. A few typical case reports are presented. Particular aspects emerging from this series, the reconstructive methods used and the results achieved with regard to partial or complete excision of radiation damaged skin are discussed.