Reinnervated radial forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.
The radial forearm flap has proved to be a reliable free flap for intraoral reconstruction after major head and neck ablative surgery for cancer. In contrast to the myocutaneous flap, it is thin and flexible, and as a result, it is better suited to conforming to the irregular surface which remains over an intact or restored mandible. A criticism of both techniques however, is that while the flap effectively fills the defect, it serves as an insensate reservoir in which food and saliva can collect. A modification of the reinnervated radial forearm free flap is presented, with discussion of its use in three patients, following extensive resection of the floor of the mouth and tongue.
Dubner
S
S
Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY.
Heller
K S
KS
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005927:Glossectomy; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009060:Mouth Floor / Q000294:innervation; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology; D014059:Tongue / Q000294:innervation; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*