How is it performed?
Your surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and surgical issues as well as analyse the expected defect to be reconstructed. He will then discuss with you with the appropriate options for reconstruction, including the risks and benefits, and together you can make an informed choice.
Reconstructive surgery is commonly performed under regional or general anaesthesia, especially for larger defects. You will commonly be asked to fast for at least 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Sips of water on the morning of the procedure are usually permitted.
During the procedure, the defect that requires reconstruction will be defined (recipient site). This is either from a pre-existing defect or created by resection which is usually done in the same sitting. As much as possible, your plastic surgeon will try to raise the flap to be used (donor site) for the reconstructive procedure concurrent with any resection that needs to be done to minimize anaesthesia time. Once ready, the flap will be brought into the recipient site and the donor site is closed. If a free flap procedure or nerve restoration is required, the operating microscope will be used to visualize these structures and delicately suture them together to restore continuity. Closure of the recipient site will then be completed. Quite often, drains will be placed to remove any excess blood or fluid, or monitor for post-operative bleeding or infection.
