Complications of free radial forearm flap transfers for head and neck reconstruction.
Free tissue transfer using microvascular anastomosis has been established as an accepted maxillofacial reconstructive procedure. The free radial forearm flap (FRFF) has become a workhorse flap as a means of reconstructing surgical defects in the head and neck region. Since 1992, we have carried out 38 FRFF transfers in 37 patients for reconstruction after head and neck cancer ablative surgery. We present our clinical experience with head and neck reconstruction using the FRFF and the morbidity of the donor sites. Of the 38 FRFFs, 35 FRFFs were performed successfully. The survival rate of FRFF was 92%. Donor site complications included partial loss of skin graft in 4 donor sites (11%), abnormal sensations in 10 (26%), poor appearance in 3 (8%), and reduced grip strength in 4 (11%). Therefore, we believe that, because of the reliability, functional characteristics, and low donor site morbidity, the FRFF is a useful and versatile flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects.
Chen
Chun-Ming
CM
Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan. koms.chen@msa.hinet.net <koms.chen@msa.hinet.net>
Lin
Gau-Tyan
GT
Fu
Yin-Chih
YC
Shieh
Tien-Yu
TY
Huang
I-Yueh
IY
Shen
Yee-Shyong
YS
Chen
Chung-Ho
CH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000209:etiology; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply; D018737:Hand Strength; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017534:Radial Artery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects*