Microsurgical composite tissue transfer: an expanding horizon in reconstructive surgery.

Seven cases of microsurgical composite tissue transfer to reconstruct defects of the upper and lower extremities performed at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between January 1992 and July 1993 are evaluated in a retrospective study. These cases illustrate the various clinical situations where free flaps can be used to an advantage. A brief discussion of the history of microvascular free flap transfers as well as their value in modern plastic and reconstructive surgery is also presented.