Why would you need this surgery?
A fibula free flap uses your own healthy tissue to rebuild an area of your body damaged by cancer, injury, or another condition. A section of bone from your lower leg, along with its blood vessels and sometimes skin and soft tissue, can be used to rebuild areas such as the jaw, mouth, or face.
Swipe through the images below to find out how it works!
It's important to note that every patient's recovery is different. Your surgical team will give you instructions based on your specific procedure and needs.
During the first few days after surgery, your care team will closely monitor the flap to make sure blood is flowing properly. They may check its color, warmth, and blood flow using specialized monitoring techniques.
After a fibula free flap, your body is healing in two places: the area being reconstructed and the lower leg where the bone and tissue were taken. Your care team will monitor both areas and provide instructions for wound care, pain control, and managing swelling.
Your activity will be increased gradually as your leg heals. Your care team and physical therapist may help you safely sit, stand, and begin walking, often with a walker or other support at first. Your surgeon will let you know when and how much weight you can put on your leg.
Recovery continues after you leave the hospital. Follow-up visits allow your surgical team to monitor healing and answer questions along the way. Over time, swelling and discomfort improve, your incisions heal, and you gradually return to more of your normal activities.
How long is the surgery? Most commonly around 6–12 hours, depending on the resection needed and the complexity of the reconstruction.
How long is the hospital stay? This varies from person to person and depends on the surgery and recovery. Many patients stay about 1–2 weeks.
Where does the tissue come from? The lower leg, using a section of the fibula bone along with its blood vessels and, when needed, skin and soft tissue.
Will the blood vessels be reconnected? Yes! Tiny blood vessels are connected under a microscope so the transplanted tissue continues to receive blood flow.
Will I still be able to walk? Yes, most people are able to walk again after recovery. Walking is gradually reintroduced with guidance from the surgical and physical therapy teams.
Will there be scarring? Yes. You will have a scar on the lower leg where the tissue was taken. Depending on the reconstruction, a skin graft may also be needed, which can create an additional scar.