Intraoral reconstruction of the mandible, mouth floor and tongue with the free radial forearm flap

Abstract

Two cases of reconstruction of postoperative defects of the mandible, mouth floor and tongue with the free radial forearm flap are presented. The patients were 63-and 61-yearold females.Both cases had advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the gum extending to the mouth floor and tongue (T4N1M0).
Their postoperative courses were uneventful and the only postoperative complication was paresthesia around the anatomical snuffbox of the hand.
The free radial forearm flap is thin and pliable, therefore postoperative recovery of function and shape are satisfactory. This flap seems to offer great versatility and wide possibilities of application. The long and large vessel pedicles make anastomosis simple and reliable. Consequently we consider the free radial forearm flap to be excellent for intra-oral reconstruction.