Use of the Radial Forearm Flap in Oral and Pharyngeal Reconstruction

Abstract

In 11 patients reconstructive oral and pharyngeal surgery was performed with free forearm flaps and a microvascular technique. Four flaps were used for reconstruction of the tongue, four for that of the oropharynx and three for that of the hypopharynx. All flaps survived without any necrosis. Since the forearm flap was thin, soft and pliable, it was suitable for oral and pharyngeal lining. The donor area was covered with a skin graft leaving a scar over the forearm, however, this one-staged, less invasive method was quite useful in oral and pharyngeal reconstruction