title: [Free radial forearm flap in head and neck: our experience].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oncologic surgery leads to important defects and sequelae, as well as notable cosmetic and functional alterations. In this aspect reconstructive surgery has an essential role, allowing more radical excision and lower associated functional and cosmetic morbidities. The aim of this study was to present and evaluate the experience and results of the reconstructive microsurgery unit in our centre's ENT department.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study of procedures performed between 2006 and 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 36 cases were reviewed. The primary tumour was found in the oropharynx (58%) in the majority of cases. In 5 cases the procedure was performed for reconstruction and fistula closure (4 pharyngostoma and 1 tracheoesophageal fistula). Failure from total necrosis was 16% (6/36). No associated mortality has been reported. The most common postoperative complications were wound dehiscence in 5 patients and pharyngostoma (fistula) in 5 cases. Prior radiotherapy significantly influenced the increase in the overall incidence of complications (P<05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reconstructive surgery currently plays an important role in surgery for head and neck cancer. The radial forearm flap is a safe, reliable method for reconstruction of most defects in the ENT field. This type of intervention provides greater autonomy and safety in surgical oncology.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España; Unidad Funcional de Otorrinolaringología y Alergia. Agrupació Mèdica I Quirúrgica (AMiQ). Hospital Universitario Quirón Dexeus. Estadificación Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tornero
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España; Unidad Funcional de Otorrinolaringología y Alergia. Agrupació Mèdica I Quirúrgica (AMiQ). Hospital Universitario Quirón Dexeus. Estadificación Barcelona, España. Electronic address: paulitacruz@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cruz-Toro
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España; Unidad Funcional de Otorrinolaringología y Alergia. Agrupació Mèdica I Quirúrgica (AMiQ). Hospital Universitario Quirón Dexeus. Estadificación Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farré
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vega-Celiz
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España; Unidad Funcional de Otorrinolaringología y Alergia. Agrupació Mèdica I Quirúrgica (AMiQ). Hospital Universitario Quirón Dexeus. Estadificación Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skufca
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nogués
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Manel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maños-Pujol
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
keywords: Cabeza y cuello; Cancer; Colgajo libre antebraquial radial; Cáncer; Free radial forearm flap; Head and neck; Reconstrucción; Reconstruction