 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Karen,
A free flap is called that because it is not a flap that is slid over from an adjacent area and therefore maintains it's blood supply and nerve supply. This is called a sliding flap. As you know, a free flap is taken from another area of the body.
The name is misleading, but it has nothing to do with the area of the flap having the freedom to move.
Good luck tomorrow at JH, Susan.
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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