Breast reconstruction with free-tissue transfer

The authors discuss the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of free- tissue transfer for breast reconstruction. The most common free flaps used today are individually discussed. Details about indications, contraindicati ons, pertinent anatomy, pedicle characteristics, flap pliability, perfusion characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages for each of these flaps are presented. Details pertaining to the more common recipient vessels are pre sented. Future considerations are also briefly discussed.