Reconstructive microsurgery in the elderly
Yeh, M.C.; Wei, F.C.; Chen, H.C.; Chuang, C.C.; Chen, S.H.
Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi 16(1): 47-51
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 2072-0939 PMID: 8490775 Document Number: 412451
Between 1989 and 1990, 20 patients older than 60 years underwent reconstructive microsurgery in our hospital. The procedures consisted of 6 digital replantations in 5 patients and 17 free tissue transfers in 15 patients. The success were 5 out of 6 digital replantations and 16 out of 17 free tissue transfers. This success rate had no significant difference compared with other age groups of our reconstructive microsurgery series. There was no additional complications which might always be considered to encounter with elder patients after prolonged anesthesia. We conclude that with good preoperative work up, careful intraoperative or postoperative care as well as meticulous operative technique, the operative risk remains low and the success rate is comparable to other age groups.