Who performed the first free flap procedure?

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From the Research

The first free flap procedure was performed by a surgeon in 1959, as documented in the history of free flap use in oral and maxillofacial surgery 1. This groundbreaking procedure involved the complete detachment of tissue from one part of the body and its reattachment at another site by reconnecting the blood vessels using microsurgical techniques. Prior to this innovation, surgeons were limited to pedicled flaps that remained attached to their original blood supply. The emergence of free flaps from 1959 through to the early 1970s is documented in the study, with the first reported use of the jejunal flap in 1959 1. The history of 19 of the more common free flaps used in oral and maxillofacial surgery is described, highlighting the evolution of free flap surgery over time. Some key points to consider when evaluating the history of free flap procedures include:

  • The development of vascular anastomosis and microsurgery, which laid the foundation for free flap surgery 1
  • The introduction of new flaps, such as the posterior tibial artery flap in 1985, which expanded the options for reconstructive surgery 1
  • The continued evolution of free flap surgery, with developments in perforator and chimeric flaps, and new flaps being described 1 It is essential to appreciate the surgical history to understand the current state of free flap surgery and its applications in reconstructive medicine. The study by 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the history of free flap use in oral and maxillofacial surgery, highlighting the key milestones and developments in the field. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, understanding the history of free flap procedures is crucial for making informed decisions about patient care and treatment options. By considering the evolution of free flap surgery and its current applications, clinicians can provide the best possible outcomes for patients with severe tissue defects. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is 1, which provides a detailed history of free flap use in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This study is the most relevant to the question and provides the most accurate information on the first free flap procedure. Therefore, the first free flap procedure was performed by a surgeon in 1959, as documented in the history of free flap use in oral and maxillofacial surgery 1.

References

1
Research

A brief history of vascularized free flaps in the oral and maxillofacial region.

Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 2015

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