A review of unsuccessful reconstructive cases that required secondary surgical salvage at our department is described. Between 1988 and 2000, the total number of reconstructive cases in which various kinds of free flaps and microvascular reconstruction were carried out by the senior author, was 132. Fifteen cases (11.3%) required secondary surgical salvage due to local postoperative complication. Finally, 12 failed cases (9%) required secondary surgical salvage using pedicled flaps. Evaluation of the causes and methods of the surgical salvage in the unsuccessful cases is very important for future advances and improvements in reconstructive surgery.
