title: [Free forearm flap used in the reconstruction of the cervico-cephalic region. 43 cases].
abstract: The free neurovascular antebrachial transplant was described by Yang-Guofan in 1978. In 1981, we brought the description of this free transplant to Europe. Forty-three antebrachial grafts were made to reconstruct the cervicocephalic extremity. We had various indications: floor of the mouth and base of the tongue: 18 cases, facial structures: 7 cases, posterior wall of the pharynx: 9 cases, rescue surgery for esophagoplasty: 6 cases, mandible: 2 cases (using a bone rod taken from the radius), internal aspect of the cheek: 1 case. All grafts were revascularized. In 41 cases, the indications were carcinological, the last 2 cases being benign lesions. The early postoperative mortality included 1 case, not related to the nature of the operation (neoplasm). There was no failure of free transplants. Surveillance was ensured every half-hour during 12 hours, then every 3 hours. Discriminating sensation was recovered in 39 of 43 cases. Mandibular bone reconstructions were knit at the 3rd month. The main disadvantage of removing this graft is esthetic, as it leaves a considerable scar on the forearm. The free antebrachial transplant provides an effective solution to the reconstructions of the cervicocephalic extremity, when a narrow, thin, supple, reinnervated, compound transplant is needed.
authors.affiliation: Service de Chirurgie, Hôpital de Nanterre.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Germain
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Trotoux
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Luboinski
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schwaab
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marandas
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mamelle
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Leridant
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Julieron
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Janot
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hureau
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques
vernacular_title: Le transplant libre antébrachial appliqué à la reconstruction de l'extrémité cervico-céphalique. 43 cas.