[Postoperative monitoring of microvascular flap repair with pulse oximetry--initial experience].

The surgical success of microvascular free flaps or pedicled flaps depends on the function of the nutritive vessels. Complications such as thrombosis or vessel kinking, are dangerous and may result in flap loss. During the last decade, different methods were tested for their capability of monitoring flap perfusion. We report our preliminary experience with the continuous and non-invasive pulse oximetry by using a special reflection sensor positioned on the surface of the flap.