Summary
Purpose
Evaluation of objective and subjective functional follow-up results of intraoral radial
forearm free flap reconstructions.
Methods
A total of 149 patients had received radial forearm free flaps between January 1996
and December 2005. Seventy-two patients completed a European Organization for Research
and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-H&N35 (EORTC H&N35) in the follow-up
study. Patients were divided according to location of defect (anterior or posterior)
or irradiation. Thirty-nine patients with anterior positioned flaps received standardised
physical examinations.
Results
Flap survival was 99.3%. Complications were divided in early (<2 weeks; 23%) and late
complications (20%). Most common complications were dehiscence or fistula, responding
well to conservative treatment. Analysis of questionnaire subscales showed no statistically
significant differences between anterior and posterior defects. Irradiation showed
significant impairment for the ability to smell and taste. No important donor site
impairment was found.
Conclusion
The radial forearm free flap is an adequate method for reconstructions after resection
of intraoral malignancies. Subjective functional outcome seemed to be defined by adjuvant
radiotherapy, patient coping and, to a lesser extent, flap bulk for anterior defects.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 26, 2007
Accepted:
October 15,
2006
Received:
September 10,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
