Radial free flaps using loupe magnification: audit of 97 cases of orofacial reconstruction

The Use of Surgical Loupes in Microsurgery

“…In a retrospective analysis of orofacial reconstruction by Ashworth et al, 97 fasciocutaneous free flaps were performed with loupes alone. 12 The patency rate of 98% at 24 hours was comparable with the surgical literature (no control was included for comparison). Serletti et al reviewed 200 consecutive free microvascular tissue transfers and found that the 99% success rate for those performed under the microscope and for loupes showed no statistically significant difference.…”

Loupes-Only Microsurgery is a Safe Alternative to the Operating Microscope: An Analysis of 1,649 Consecutive Free Flap Breast Reconstructions

“…Since the initial publications in 1995, several other studies that examine feasibility and safety of loupes-only microsurgery have been published. 7,[11][12][13] Small studies have shown flap survival over 97% with loupe-aided microsurgery. [9][10][11][12] Small comparative studies have shown no differences in flap outcomes with loupe-aided versus microscope-aided anastomoses.…”

“…7,[11][12][13] Small studies have shown flap survival over 97% with loupe-aided microsurgery. [9][10][11][12] Small comparative studies have shown no differences in flap outcomes with loupe-aided versus microscope-aided anastomoses. 9,12 At present, there are limited data available regarding the technical quality of anastomoses performed using loupes-only microsurgery.…”

Binocular single-refraction magnifying glasses for free flap surgery: a reliable method for developing countries

“…When Ashworth et al [13] stated that binocular loupes are within the budget of surgical trainees, they were surely not considering the low-and middle-social-income countries. Similarly, circumstances in these countries were not in their mind when they discussed teaching of surgical trainees and operative room facilities.…”