Abstract
Free radial forearm flaps were used for reconstruction of oral and oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas in 10 cases. The patients were eight males and two females, and their ages were from 46 to 72 years old, averaging 60.7 years old. As for the site of the primary lesions, five cases were located in the tongue, two in the lower gum and oropharynx, respectively, and one intraosseous of the mandible. The postoperative course was uneventful in nine cases. Total necrosis of the flap was observed in one case, which was considered to be causes by technical error rather than thrombosis. As for the prognosis, five cases survived without recurrence, four died of tumor recurrence, and one died of DIC. The advanced and secondary cases were uncontrolled. As for the postoperative function, most of the cases had little disturbance in mastication, deglutition and articulation. However, they were nearly rehabilitated and considered to have almost satisfactory postoperative oral function.
