Radial forearm flap: eight years experience with oral and oropharyngeal reconstructions - donor and acceptor site morbidity

The success rate of 56 free radial forearm flaps used between 1987 and 1995 in the University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands for oral and oropharyngeal reconstructions in cancer patients, was evaluated. There were 36 men and 20 women. The most prevalent neoplasm was squamous cell carcinoma (n=52). Most tumours were stage IV (n=33). Oral tumors were most common (n=34), while oropharyngeal tumours were present in 22 patients. In 48 cases a fasciocutaneous flap was used, while an osseofasciocutaneous flap was taken in 8 patients. Recipient-site problems occurred in 31 patients (55%). There was total flap loss in 4 patients (7%) and partial flap loss in 4 (7%). Donor-site complications were seen in 18 patients (32%). Total loss of skin graft occurred in 1 patient (2%) and partial loss of skin grafts in 7 patients (13%). A fracture of the radius was observed in 2 patients. The overall success rate of the radial forearm free flap was 86%. Free vascularised tissue transfer to the oral and oropharyngeal regions should be carried out in a centre with a multidisciplinary head and neck team with experienced microsurgeons