Postoperative monitoring of free flaps remains an essential component of care in patients undergoing microsurgical reconstructive surgery. Early recognition of vascular problems and prompt surgical intervention improve the chances for flap salvage. Physical examination remains the cornerstone of free flap monitoring, but more recently, additional technologies have been developed for this purpose. In this article, current approaches to free flap monitoring are reviewed.

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Smaller drain reservoirs are more successful in generating a high initial suction than larger reservoirs, especially when the volume of fluid in the drain is relatively low. In all sizes of drains, compressing the sides of the reservoir is a far better technique for establishing negative pressure than pressing the bottom of the drain up toward the top.