title: Semi-free radial forearm flap for head and neck reconstruction in vessel-depleted neck after radiotherapy or radical neck dissection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Venous thrombosis is the main cause of radial forearm flap failure, especially when recipient vessels are compromised by prior radiation therapy or neck dissection. In such conditions, semi-free radial forearm flap (SF-RFF) can be performed to reduce this risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed all SF-RFF procedures performed in our institution for head and neck reconstruction. The flap was harvested as a conventional radial forearm flap but the cephalic vein was dissected along the arm up to the deltopectoral crease and used as the sole drainage vein.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven SF-RFFs were harvested for head and neck reconstructions. The dissection of the cephalic vein lasted less than 25 min in all cases. No flap loss or thrombosis was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SF-RFF is a reliable and versatile procedure for facial, oral, or larynx reconstruction. This hybrid version of the radial forearm free flap is particularly appropriate when no suitable recipient veins are available as a result of radiation or prior surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Henri Mondor Hospital, UPEC Medical School, 51, av du Mal De Lattre De Tassigny, 94000 Créteil, France. julien.quilichini@gmail.com
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Quilichini
authors.forename: Marc-David
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Benjoar
authors.forename: Mikael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hivelin
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brugel
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lantieri
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies