A practical guide to free tissue transfer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Evaluate a patient for a reconstructive microsurgery procedure. 2. Discuss the current literature with regard to perioperative patient care. 3. Describe the common microsurgical setup and operating room considerations and anastomotic techniques. 4. List postoperative monitoring, flap salvage, and complications. SUMMARY: The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines for maintenance of certification continuing medical education for microsurgical operations. It may be used as an aid in evaluation and management of the microsurgical patient. Interspersed with the maintenance of certification-oriented format is continuing medical education information regarding the current state of practice concerning multiple variables in specific procedures of reconstructive microsurgery.