Microsurgery

Microvascular Free Flap Surgery for Limb Salvage in India

Microvascular free flap surgery for limb salvage in India transfers a block of living tissue  with its own artery and vein  from elsewhere in the body to cover a large foot defect, reconnecting the blood vessels under a microscope. At EDFC, Dr. Ashutosh Shah (M.Ch.) uses this advanced technique to save legs facing major amputation.

What is free flap (microsurgery) reconstruction?

When a foot defect is too large for a local flap, tissue can be taken from a donor site (such as the thigh or abdomen), moved to the foot, and its tiny blood vessels stitched to vessels near the wound using a microscope. This "free" flap brings its own living blood supply, so it can cover extensive wounds, exposed bone, and hardware, and rebuild a weight-bearing surface.

It is the most advanced reconstruction option and is reserved for limbs that cannot be saved any other way. Success depends on suitable recipient blood vessels, controlled infection, and careful aftercare. As an M.Ch. plastic surgeon, Dr. Ashutosh Shah offers this at EDFC  India's first chain dedicated to foot care  across Surat (Gujarat) and Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh), within a full limb salvage plan.

Who is a candidate?

• A large foot or ankle defect that local tissue cannot cover
• Exposed bone, tendon, or hardware over a wide area
• A leg facing major amputation that may still be salvageable
• Adequate blood vessels near the wound to support a free flap
• Infection that is controlled and blood sugar that can be managed

Important: free flap surgery needs careful selection. Circulation is assessed in detail — including a vascular assessment — because the flap and the foot both need a reliable blood supply.

What the procedure involves

• Detailed planning — mapping recipient vessels and choosing a donor site.
• Wound preparation — thorough debridement and infection control.
• Tissue transfer — the flap is raised with its artery and vein.
• Microvascular anastomosis — vessels are joined under a microscope.
• Close monitoring — the flap is watched carefully in early recovery.
• Rehabilitation — offloading and graded return to weight-bearing.

Why choose EDFC in India

• Advanced reconstruction — microsurgery within Dr. Shah's M.Ch. specialty.
• Dedicated foot care — India's first chain built only for foot and ulcer care.
• Last-chance limb salvage — saving legs that would otherwise be amputated.
• Two branches — Surat, Gujarat and Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh.

Content on this page is medically reviewed by Dr. Ashutosh Shah. Book a consultation for a candid assessment of suitability.