WHY FREE TISSUE TRANSFER IS REGARDED AS GOLD STANDARD IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY?

The free tissue transfer is regarded as the gold standard in reconstructive surgery for following reasons:

1. Immediate reconstruction at the time of tumour resection is possible. Thus it helps to avoid multiple or staged procedure.
2. The transfer of well vascularized tissue into a bed that often has less salivary contamination and underlying tissue damage from earlier radiotherapy is possible.
3. It significantly improves the wound healing.
4. It allows immediate separation of critical compartment, including the aerodigestive tract and intracranial content.
5. It improves the ability to manage massive defects that might otherwise preclude surgical resection of tumours.
6. It has a better prospect for functional and cosmetic rehabilitation.