Free Flaps in Lower Extremity Reconstruction.
Review published in Clinics in plastic surgery (2021)
Abstract
Free tissue transfer to the lower extremity for limb salvage remains challenging. A comprehensive approach includes patient selection, flap selection, selection of the recipient vessels, flap dissection, flap preparation, microvascular anastomosis, flap inset, immediate postoperative care, intermediate postoperative care, and further follow-up care. Each step in this comprehensive approach has its unique considerations and should be executed equally to ensure an optimal outcome. Once acquired, some clinical experience along with adequate microsurgical skill, good surgical judgment, well instructed and step-by-step intraoperative execution, and a protocol-driven practice, successful free tissue transfer to the lower extremity can be accomplished.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Free tissue transfer to the lower extremity for limb salvage remains challenging. A comprehensive approach includes patient selection, flap selection, selection of the recipient vessels, flap dissection, flap preparation, microvascular anastomosis, flap inset, immediate postoperative care,...
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This review covers the comprehensive approach to free tissue transfer for lower extremity limb salvage, including patient selection, flap selection, recipient vessel choice, microvascular anastomosis, and postoperative care protocols. The article addresses surgical technique and perioperative management exclusively, with no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, or any leech-derived compounds. No content in the abstract supports any direct or specific relevance to hirudotherapy or the leech secretome. The study has no demonstrated connection to ASH's domain.
Citation
Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026