The Results of the Radial Forearm Free Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction |
Sung Dong Cho;Jeong Joon Kim;Hyung Jin Kim;Jae Phil Paeng;Ji Hoon Park;Soon Young Kwon;Jong Ouck Choi;Deok Sun Ahn;Kwang Yoon Jung |
전완유리피판의 두경부재건술 적용결과 |
조성동;김정준;김형진;팽재필;박지훈;권순영;최종욱;안덕선;정광윤 |
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Abstract |
Background: Free flaps have become a very important role in the ablative head and neck surgery with functional preservation of defect sites. The forearm free flap has many advantage of lack of bulk, ease of dissection, vascularity, and malleability.
Patients and Methods: A review of 51 radial forearm free flaps performed between may 1990 and feburary 2001 at the Korea University was undertaken to determine outcome. Patient age ranged 27 to 72 years (mean 56). There were 44 men and 7 women. The most prevalent neoplasm was squamous cell carcinoma.
Results The tans verse cervical artery and the external jugular vein were the most frequent receipient sites for microvascular anastomosis. Total flap loss occurred in 2 cases (4%) and other complications were seen in 42%. Fifteen patients received preoperative irradiation and the complication was higher than non-irradiation patients, but statistically not significant.
Conclusion The radial forearm free flap offers a variety of reconstructive options for head and neck. Its low flap loss and complication rates offer the best choice for reconstruction of defect of head and neck malignancy. |
Key Words:
Radial forearm free flap, Head and neck malignancy, Reconstruction |