Long-Term Results of Free Radial Forearm Flap Used for Oral Reconstruction: Functional and Histological Evaluation
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the radial forearm flap with regard to recovery of sensory function, general performance status, cutaneous blood flow and histological observations.
Patients and Methods
Thirty patients (23 male and 7 female) with oral carcinoma underwent immediate reconstruction with radial forearm flap after ablative surgery and returned for evaluation. Interviews were conducted to assess the degree of articulation and mastication.
Results
Sensory function tests suggested the restoration of cutaneous sensibility of the forearm flap. Histological findings indicated mucosa-like changes of flaps about 10 months after reconstruction. The clarity of conversation recovered favorably in most patients. However, the degree of recovery was generally related to the time after surgery.
Conclusion
The radial forearm flap is a unique flap with specific characters that allowed for best available functional reconstruction of the oral cavity in terms of restoration of sensation, performance, and histological changes to adapt to the new oral environment.
⁎Professor and Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.
†Research Fellow, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.
‡Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.
§Senior Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Shibahara: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, 1-2-2 Masago, Mihamaku, Chiba 261-8502, Japan
ABSTRACT