Grampians Health performs first free flap surgery in Ballarat
Grampians Health has achieved a significant surgical milestone through the completion of the first free tissue transfer surgery under the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Services at Ballarat Base Hospital, further expanding the scope of surgical expertise.
The complex microsurgical procedure involved transferring a free gracilis muscle flap from a patient’s right thigh to reconstruct a severe crush injury to the left fourth and fifth toes. This advanced technique is critical in helping patients retain limb function, achieve appropriate soft tissue coverage, and avoid amputation.
Free flap surgery, also known as free tissue transfer, is considered one of the most advanced techniques in reconstructive surgery. It involves moving tissue - such as skin, muscle, or bone - from one part of the body to another, reconnecting blood vessels under a microscope to restore circulation.
These procedures are often used in cases of trauma, cancer, or severe injury. Reconstruction of like-for-like tissue through free tissue transfer may mean the difference between losing a limb and regaining mobility, independence, and quality of life.
“This surgery represents a major advancement in the care we can provide locally,” said Dr Matthew Hadfield, Chief Medical Officer, Grampians Health.
“It’s a testament to the expertise of our surgical team and the dedication of our staff. Most importantly, it means patients in the Grampians Region can access complex, life changing procedures closer to home.”
Patient Clinton Plover, who underwent the surgery, expressed his gratitude for the care he received.
“The team at Grampians Health have been excellent and the recovery hasn’t been too bad either.
“It’s reassuring to know that such advanced surgery can be done here in Ballarat, close to home, without the stress of travelling to Melbourne.”
The ability to perform such surgery locally is a major step forward for regional healthcare. Previously, patients requiring this level of care would have needed to travel to Melbourne, adding stress and delays to their recovery. Now, patients in the Grampians region can access complex, life changing procedures closer to home, surrounded by their support networks and with reduced disruption to their lives.
The surgery was conducted by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Dr Amir Tadros, supported by dedicated theatre staff, anaesthesia services, and ward nurses.
The ability to perform such complex procedures is indicative of growing expertise within the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery division at Grampians Health.
“Since arriving in Ballarat in 2019 to establish a dedicated plastic surgery service, I’ve been working towards building the foundations for advanced reconstructive care,” said Dr Tadros. “This operation represents a significant milestone - the first free flap microsurgical reconstruction performed at Grampians Health - and a testament to what we’ve achieved together.
“With incredible support from the entire hospital community, we’ve secured the right equipment, assembled a skilled and dedicated team, and now have a committed registrar, and nursing and allied health staff fully trained to manage these complex cases. We’ve come a long way in a short time.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding the service - introducing paediatric plastic surgery and offering more advanced breast reconstruction options - so patients in our region can access world class reconstructive care right here at home.”
Grampians Health has been gradually expanding the surgical capabilities to provide specialised care closer to home.
Last year, the health service performed its first emergency surgery using its surgical robot, Joy. The team operated on a patient experiencing a large bowel obstruction, which was historically a major surgery with lengthy recovery time and intensive post-operative care. However, with minimally invasive robotic surgery, with smaller instruments, and smaller incisions, the patient experienced a quicker recovery.
In Stawell, Grampians Health opened a new $5.15 million second operating theatre in April 2025 to expand the surgical capacity in our regional sites. The new theatre features an expanded recovery area, a dedicated endoscopy reprocessing room, sterile stock storage, a staff write-up space, an eye block anaesthesia area, improved staff amenities, and state-of-the-art medical equipment.
