Free radial forearm adiposo-fascial flap for inferior maxillectomy defect reconstruction

A free radial forearm fascial flap has been described for intraoral reconstruction. Adiposo-fascial flap harvesting involves few technical modifications from the conventional radial forearm fascio-cutaneous free flap harvesting. We report a case of inferior maxillectomy defect reconstruction in a 42-year-old male with a free radial forearm adiposo-fascial flap with good aesthetic and functional outcome with minimal primary and donor site morbidity. The technique of raising the flap and closing the donor site needs to be meticulous in order to achieve good cosmetic and functional outcome.     

The free radial forearm flap for reconstruction of facial defects in noma patients

Within a 2-year period ten patients aged 5–22 years were treated for facial sequelae of noma. In six cases free radial forearm flaps were used, combined with local and regional flaps. The indications were defects located in the midface and perioral area. There were no free or regional flap losses in this series. The aesthetic and functional results were appreciated by the patients and there were no functional problems related to the donor area because a suprafascial flap dissection technique was used. In our experience the free radial forearm flap is a valuable option for facial reconstruction in NOMA cases. The advantages include: (1) A very long and large calibre pedicle; (2) thin and pliable flaps of variable size and configuration; (3) the possibility of single stage reconstruction in selected cases. The disadvantages include the not always ideal colour match, both in black patients and in white, and the unsightly donor area which, however, has never led to functional problems. Received: 25 May 1999 / Accepted: 6 June 1999     

Two-stage reconstruction of a massive gun-shot wound of the midface with a free radial forearm flap and a parietal osteofasciocutaneous flap

Treatment of midface gunshot injuries and their reconstruction remains one of the difficult problems of reconstructive surgery. Several flaps have been described for the reconstruction of total lip and nasal defects. We present a case of a gunshot wound to the midface in which a two-stage procedure was performed. In the first stage, a free radial forearm flap was successfully transferred for the reconstruction of the total nose. In the second stage, total upper lip reconstruction was achieved using a parietal osteofasciocutaneous flap pedicled to the parieto-temporal fascia based on the superficialis temporal artery. At a mean follow-up period of 18 months, near-normal functional and cosmetic results were obtained.     

Reconstruction with radial forearm flaps after ablative surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND: Patients afflicted with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer must contend with both potentially poor survival prognosis and a compromised quality of remaining life. After extensive ablative surgery, it is imperative to use a reliable, low morbidity reconstructive strategy that will allow for an expedient reconstitution of speech and swallowing. METHODS: Retrospective review of the records of 28 patients who underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) between 1996 and 2001 by a single surgeon (RE). Analysis was confined to patients requiring complete tubulation of the RFFF. Perioperative mortality, morbidity, and functional evaluation based on the parameters of speech and swallowing were analyzed. RESULTS: Completely tubulated RFFF were required in 25 patients. There was 100% RFFF survival with no perioperative mortalities. The median hospital stay was 8.0 days. All patients acquired a reconstitution of oral alimentation; median time to swallowing was 18.0 days. Fourteen of 16 patients (93%) were able to rely on TEP speech as their main modality of communication. Two patients (8%) had early fistulas develop, and 5 (20%) had late fistulas develop. Nine patients (36%) required mechanical dilatation; five of the nine patients required only one dilatation. CONCLUSION: Review of our experience has confirmed the reliability and excellent functional outcome associated with this flap.     

Infection-induced urethral defect treated by urethral reconstruction with a radial forearm flap

Abstract A 47-year-old man was admitted with the chief complaint of a urethral defect. An approximately 17-cm defect of the urethra seemed to have been occurred by the infection of implanted foreign bodies in the penile skin. Reconstruction of the urethra and the ventral skin was performed with a free radial forearm flap. A fistula formed at the proximal anastomosis after the operation, but was controlled conservatively. Urethral stricture at the proximal anastomosis subsequently developed. A urethral stent made of shape memory alloy was placed with the preservation of voiding function.     

Reconstruction of large intraoral and adjacent cheek defects by free radial forearm flap

Summary Eighteen patients with intraoral and oropharyngeal carcinoma were treated by radical excision for extensive infiltration of tumour into adjacent tissue. Defects were repaired by free radial forearm flaps. Three patients had bony defects in addition to mucosal and skin defects. The free flap can be easily folded to repair skin and mucosa simultaneously. We consider the free forearm flap to be the procedure of choice in selected cases of large intraoral and adjacent cheek defects.     

Reverse osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap for thumb reconstruction: a flap design and case series

PURPOSE: To report the outcome of the modified design of the osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap. The flap was modified because of problems associated with the use in thumb reconstruction. METHODS: We performed retrospective review of all patients who sustained nonreplantable thumb amputations who had this procedure between August 2000 and March 2005. The patients' ages ranged between 24 and 39 years. Demographic data and details of the level of amputation and alternative surgical procedures were reviewed. Eight male patients were identified and constituted the study cohort. The size of flap, length of the radius harvested, time to union, sensibility (moving 2-point discrimination test), grip and pinch strengths, complications, and patient outcome were determined. RESULTS: All patients who had the butterfly design of the reverse-flow osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap had an adequate and painless soft-tissue padding on the tip of the reconstructed thumb that provided good protection for the distal stump of the vascularized bone graft. Patients did not experience strictures at the bottom of the reconstructed tubes. CONCLUSIONS: The butterfly design is a useful modification of the skin paddle of the reverse osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap for thumb reconstruction. The design offers an easy way to reconstruct a tube shape with adequate padding on the tip and no terminal scar. In addition it prevents the constricting effect of the circumferential scar on the button of the reconstructed tube.     

Immediate full-thickness facial defects reconstruction using the radial forearm free flap

Summary The restoration of composite tissue defects of the oral cavity involving skin and mucosa remains a difficult problem for reconstructive surgeons. A method for immediate one-stage reconstruction of combined intraoral and facial defects with the radial forearm free flap is described. Four patients operated on between July and December of 1991 for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity involving oral mucosa, skin and in two cases the mandible were reconstructed with a radial forearm flap to obtain reconstruction of facial and intraoral mucosa. The area of the fold is deepithelialized to be sutured to adjacent tissue.     

游离皮瓣一期阴道再造术

目的　探索游离皮瓣一期阴道再造术的可行性。方法　自 1992年以来 ,设计应用足背游离皮瓣与小腿后侧游离皮瓣行一期阴道再造术 2 5例。结果　手术均获成功 ,随访 6个月～ 6年 ,再造之阴道宽度、深度、柔软度及弹性均符合解剖结构及生理要求。结论　游离皮瓣一期阴道再造术切实可行 ,术后外阴部无手术痕迹 ,易为患者接受     

Functional reconstruction of bilateral injuries to the dorsum of hand using radial forearm tendocutaneous flaps

Abstract

We treated a patient with skin and tendon defects of both hands as a result of injury by a heat press. There have been no reports of bilateral hand injuries being treated using simultaneous bilateral tendocutaneous flaps. In this case, we reconstructed the injured tissue using simultaneous bilateral radial forearm tendocutaneous flaps, with satisfactory results.     

The indications and outcomes in the use of osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap

INTRODUCTION: Whether secondary to cancer surgery ablation or trauma, surgeons are faced with defects of the mandible or maxilla that would be best reconstructed with a thin, pliable soft tissue component and vascularized bone. A subset of these challenging wounds do not require the bicortical bone necessary to reestablish structural integrity or to retain a dental prosthesis, because the soft tissue needs are more critical than the bony needs. It is this niche that the radial forearm osteofaciocutaneous free flap (RFOFF) fulfills well. In the past, potential and real donor site morbidity has precluded the routine use of this flap. New methods to reduce this morbidity have rekindled our use of this flap. PROCEDURES USED: A retrospective review of patients with defects of the mandible or maxilla treated with the RFOFF from July 1, 1997, to December 31, 2000, was performed. After flap harvest, the donor site was rigidly fixated. A skin graft was placed, and a volar splint was applied for 7 days. The arm was then fully mobilized. Parameters examined were defect location, donor site complications, flap survival, fistula occurrence, plate fracture, and/or extrusion. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were reconstructed with the RFOFF with a follow-up of 10-54 months. Seven patients had an anterior maxillectomy defect, and 27 patients had a lateral mandibulectomy defect with associated tongue/tonsillar fossa and/or palate defect. There were no cases of flap failure or donor site radius fracture. During the follow-up period, there were no plate fractures or intraoral exposures as evidenced by clinical and radiographic evaluation. Fistulas occurred in five patients; all healed without surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: With rigid fixation of the residual radius, donor site morbidity has been minimized, and indications for this flap have expanded. Specifically the anterior maxillary arch and the ascending ramus, angle, and posterior body of the mandible (nontooth-bearing areas) are the sites most amenable to the thin bony stock of the harvested radius. The pliable forearm skin is ideal for the soft tissue defects. We believe that the RFOFF with bone has a definite role in the reconstruction of select head and neck defects.     

Functional outcomes after surgical reconstruction of the base of tongue using the radial forearm free flap in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Historically, the prevention of functional morbidity after multimodal treatment for squamous cell carcinoma in patients with large base of tongue lesions has been challenging. The purpose of the present research is to report prospectively collected speech and swallowing outcomes for patients with disease that encompassed half or more of the base of tongue. METHODS: Speech and swallowing data were gathered at 4 evaluation times that spanned the first year of treatment for 32 patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy. RESULTS: Speech intelligibility remained above 90% for most patients. In the early postoperative period, patients with 100% of their base of tongue resected experienced decreased intelligibility, which improved by the half-way mark of the evaluations. The majority of patients resumed normal oral feeding, with those who lacked dentition needing to puree their food. Modified barium swallow studies revealed that only 3 patients aspirated thin liquid at the final evaluation. Five patients used a feeding tube at some point over the year of evaluation. At the final evaluation, only 3 patients required enteral feeding, with 2 of these using the tube in combination with oral feeding and 1 using the tube for primary nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that surgical reconstruction of the base of tongue using the radial forearm free flap in patients with large base of tongue lesions can lead to functional speech and swallowing results.