Revisiting radial forearm free flap for successful venous drainage / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Tissue defect reconstruction using radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a common surgical technique whose success or failure is mainly dependent on venous drainage. RFFF has two major venous outflow systems, superficial and deep vein. Drainage methods include combining both systems or using one alone. This review aims to recapitulate the vascular anatomy and network of RFFF as well as shed light on deep vein as a reliable venous drainage system. We also discuss basic evidence for and advantages of single microanastomosis with coalesced vein to overcome technical difficulties associated with the deep vein system.

Reconstruction of Subtotal Nasal Defect with Radial Forearm Free Flap and Forehead Flap: A Case Report

Reconstructive rhinoplasty is one of the unique areas of rhinoplasty, but its concept and technique have not been widely established in Korea compared to cosmetic rhinoplasty. Nasal reconstruction poses a challenging problem when the defect is large and involves all 3 layers of the nose including the septum. We report a patient who underwent nasal reconstruction due to subtotal, full thickness defect of the nose after repeated failed rhinoplasties including use of a nasolabial flap. A staged operation was planned. First, a radial forearm free flap was used to reconstruct the inner layer. After 4 months, the bulk of the forearm tissue was reduced and used as inner lining at the second operation. In the second operation, the framework of the lower 2/3 of the nose was formed of autologous rib cartilage, and the outer skin defect was covered with a forehead flap. Six weeks later, the forehead flap was divided. One year after the last operation, the patient can breathe well, and his nose has better esthetics than before surgery. We believe this is the first report of nasal reconstruction using a radial forearm free flap and a forehead flap to restore a subtotal, full thickness defect of a nose.

Clinical observation of individualized forearm flap in reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the forearm flap personalized design method and the curative effect in repairing maxillofacial defects.Methods From March,2011 to September,2015,16 cases with oral maxillofacial tumor and facial tissue defect were treated.There were 8 males and 8 females with an age range of 41-70 years (mean,54 years).According to the shape and size of the defect after tumor resection in each patient,the forearm flap was designed to repair the defect.The effectiveness was evaluated after operation by observing the survival of the forearm flap transplantation,the patient's facial appearance,the functions of speech,swallowing.Results The incision healed by first intention in this group,16 cases of forearm flap survived.All cases were followed-up 8-36 months without tumor recurrence.The functions of speech,swallowing were basically normal.The facial appearance was satisfactory.The patients were satisfied with their appearance and functional recovery after operation.Conclusion Take personal way of forearm flap design according to maxillofacial soft tissue defect,can restore the maximum facial appearance and function of patients,improve the quality of life of patients after surgery to repair,can obtain satisfactory results.

Defatting Vestibuloplasty for Functional and Esthetic Reconstruction of Tongue / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a thin and pliable tissue with many advantages for tongue reconstruction. However, tongues reconstructed with RFFF occasionally need revision surgery because inadequate defect measurement at primary surgery can lead to bulkiness and limited movement of reconstructed tongue. In this case, the patient underwent partial glossectomy and RFFF reconstruction for treatment of tongue cancer five years prior. We could not make a lower denture for the patient, because the alveolo-lingual sulcus of tongue was almost lost. So we performed vestibuloplasty with a modified Kazanjian method on the lingual vestibule of the mandibular right posterior area, and defatting surgery to debulk the flap. After surgery, we observed that the color and texture of the revised tongue changed to become similar with adjacent tissue. The patient obtained a more functional and esthetic outcome. Accordingly, we present a case report with a review of relevant literature.

Comparative Study of Free Flap Reconstruction after Total Laryngopharyngectomy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, both jejunal and fasciocutaneous free flap reconstruction are widely used after total laryngopharyngetomy for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes between jejunal and fasciocutaneous free flap in the reconstruction of hypopharynx after total laryngopharyngectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The medical records of 27 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent total laryngopharyngectomy and free flap reconstruction were reviewed retrospectively. Of 27 patients, 18 (66.7%) were reconstructed with jejunal free flap and 9 (33.3%) with fasciocutaneous free flap. We compared complications, flap success rates, functional outcomes such as swallowing, respiration and quality of life (QOL) between two reconstruction groups. The swallowing function was evaluated by Functional Outcome of Swallowing Scale (FOSS), and QOL was evaluated by EORTC QOL-C30, HN35. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients consisted of 26 males and 1 female. The mean age of 69+/-9.1. There were 4, 13, and 10 cases for T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Also, there were 8, 5, 7, and 7 for N0, N1, N2 and N3 cases. The success rate of free flap was 96.3%. The complication rate, operative time, the period of hospital stay did not differ between the two groups. The average score of FOSS was 0.92 in the jejunal group and 1.00 in the fasciocutaneous group. Quality of life was satisfactory in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both jejunal and fasciocutaneous free flap are very effective reconstructive methods after total laryngopharyngectomy for hypopharyngeal cancer. The choice of free flap can be determined based on the individual status of patient and preference of surgeon.

Immediate reconstruction of palatomaxillary defects by mandibular osteomuscular flap pedicled with temporalis and radial forearm free flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of mandibular osteomuscular flap pedicled with temporalis and radial forearm free flap to repair palatomaxillary defects. Methods From March 2008 to March 2011,nine patients with palatomaxillary defects following malignant tumor ablation,were repaired with mandibular osteomuscular flap pedicled with temporalis and radial forearm free flap. According to Brown's classification for the maxillectomy defect,eight cases were type Ⅱ B and 1 case was type Ⅱ C. There were 6 males and 3 females with an average age of 57 years(range,34-68 years). Results All the 9 osteomuscular flaps and forearm flaps survived.The patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months with an average of 14 months. The patients acquired satisfactory appearance and complete functional restoration except 1 case of chondrosarcoma of recurrence was encountered 6 months after operation. Conclusions Palatomaxillary defects were reconstructed by mandibular osteomuscular flap pedicled with temporalis and radial forearm free flap immediately.It is easy to elevate,safe,and there were no donor site problems.This is an ideal method of repairing the palato maxillary defects.

Anatomical Review of Radial Forearm Free Flap for the Oral Cavity Reconstruction

Reconstruction of Hard Palatal Defect using Staged Operation of the Prelaminated Radial Forearm Free Flap

PURPOSE: The radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap is currently considered as the ideal free flap for reconstruction of mucosal and soft tissue defects of the palate. But the availability of stably attached oral and nasal mucosal lining is needed. In addition to this, for better operation field, operating convenience and esthetics, we planned a prelaminated radial forearm free flap. METHODS: A 64-year-old male patient was admitted due to a 4x4.5cm full through defect in the middle of the hard palate caused by peripheral T cell lymphoma with actinomycosis. In the first stage, the radial forearm flap was elevated, tailored to fit the hard palate defect, and then it positioned up-side down with split thickness skin graft. Two weeks later, the prelaminated radial forearm free flap was re-elevated and transferred to the palatal defect. One side covered with grafted skin was used to line the nasal cavity, and the other side(the cutaneous portion of the radial forearm flap) was used to line the oral cavity. RESULTS: The prelamination procedure was relatively easy and useful. The skin graft was well taken to the flap. After 2nd stage operation, the flap survived uneventfully. There was no prolapse of the inset flap into the oral cavity and the cutaneous portion of the flap was mucosalized. The procedure was very successful and the patient can enjoy normal rigid diet and speech. CONCLUSION: The use of prelaminated radial forearm free flap for hard palate reconstruction is an excellent method to restore oral function. Based upon the result of this case, microvascular free flap transfer with prelaminated procedure is a valid alternative to the prosthetic obturator for palatal defect that provides an improved quality of life. It should be considered as an integral component of head and neck cancer therapy and rehabilitation.

Clinical Cases Analysis of Forearm Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps on Oral Cavity Defect Area

Functional Benefit after Modification of Radial Forearm Free Flap for Soft Palate Reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: To compare the velopharyngeal function, swallowing and speech of the conventional and modified radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for soft palate reconstruction. METHODS: Retrospective clinical study. Twenty-eight patients who underwent oropharyngeal reconstruction with RFFF were divided into two groups: 10 patients had conventional folded RFFF and 18 patients underwent modified method. RESULTS: The average speech intelligibility score in modified RFFF group was 8.0+/-2.4, and 6.2+/-2.2 in conventional RFFF group (P<0.05). The nasalance was 27.4+/-7.8% in modified group and 38.6+/-2.7% in conventional group during no nasal passage reading and 43.6+/-7.3% in modified group, 55.2+/-7.6% in conventional group during high nasal passage reading (P<0.05). The subjective swallowing functional score was 2.8 in modified group and 2.1 in conventional group. CONCLUSION: The speech assessment and nasalance demonstrate a more favorable outcome in modified group than conventional group.

A Case of Forearm Muscle Herniation after Radial Forearm Sensory Tendocutaneous Free Flap

PURPOSE: Although muscle hernia has been well described in the lower-extremity, muscle hernias in the upper extremity are extremely rare. As with lower extremity muscle hernias, the forearm muscle hernia may result from forced exertion of strenuous activity or following blunt trauma. The objective of this paper is to report an extraordinary case of forearm muscle hernia after radial forearm sensory tendocutaneous free flap with references. METHODS: A 58-year-old male patient received wide excision and radical neck dissection and lower lip reconstruction with radial forearm sensory tendocutaneous free flap for squamous cell cancer on the lower lip. 16 weeks after the operation, he complained of protruding mass on the forearm and the size was increasing. In postoperative 18 weeks, MRI showed herniation of flexor digitorum superficialis. For unaesthetic cause and preventing progress, the authors performed direct fascial closure and Mesh graft. RESULTS: In 12 months after the surgery there was no recurrence and the patient remained symptom-free. CONCLUSION: Pain on extremity exertion and unaesthetic buldge of forearm due to forearm muscle hernia were the primary indications for surgery which consist of direct closure, fasciotomy, fascia lata onlay graft, fascia lata inlay graft, etc. The authors experienced uncommon forearm muscle hernia after radial forearm free flap and satisfying result of treatment.

Availability of radial forearm free flap in reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue defects: review of 50 cases

Patch Reconstruction with Radial Forearm Free Flap of Hypopharyngeal Cancer Using the Narrow Strip Pharynageal Wall

PURPOSE: Various attempts of reconstruction for pharyngoesophageal defects after ablative surgery have been made to restore the function of the pharyngoesophagus. A fabricated tubed radial forearm free flap or free jejunal free flap was used when the width of remnant pharyngeal wall was less than 50% of the normal width. However there are many disadvantages such as stricture, saliva leakage and fistula formation on tubed radial forearm free flap. The jejunal free flap has the problem such as short pedicle, poor tolerance of ischemic time, wet voice and delayed transit of swallowed food due to the uncoordinated contraction. The authors studied the utility of patch-type radial forearm free flap using the remnant posterior pharyngeal wall of the hypopharynx. METHODS: Retrospective reviews in Severance Hospital were made on 25 patients who underwent reconstruction surgery with patched radial forearm free flap because of the hypopharyngeal cancer between 1996 and 2005. The patients of Group I had the narrow posterior pharyngeal wall and its width was less than 3centimeters after the tumor was resected. Those of Group II had the partial pharyngectomy and the width of the remnant pharynx was larger than 3centimeters. RESULTS: Seven patients belonged to the group I and the flap of this group had 100% survival rate. One case of fistula and no swallowing discomfort due to stricture was reported. The Group II including 18 patients also had the 100% flap survival rate. Neither fistula nor stricture was seen but the lower diet grade was checked. CONCLUSION: The patch type radial forearm free flap using the remnant pharyngeal wall have the advantage of the radial forearm free flap, and furthermore this flap is the safe reconstructive method even if the width of the remnant pharyngeal wall is less than 30% of that of normal pharynx.

Two Cases of Ear Reconstruction Using Prefabricated Radial Forearm Free Flap

Deformities of the auricular region that have been resulted from burns or other traumatic injuries emotionally devastate the patients and frustrate the surgeons. The surgical procedure for ear reconstruction varies depending upon the quality and quantity of available skin in the auricular region after burns and other facial trauma for the coverage of cartilage framework. Postauricular skin, postauricular fascia, temporoparietal fascia have been used for traumatized ear reconstruction according to the literature. But toral ear reconstruction in the cases of severe trauma like burn or traffic accident is one of the most difficult problems because of its paucity and poor quality of the available skin in the auricular region. The author reports two cases of traumatized ear reconstruction using a prefabricated radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap made of an autogenous costal cartilage framework. This flap is valuable for the reconstruction of severely traumatized ear when local tissue or other free flaps are improper to select.

Penoplasty with a Sensate Radial Forearm Free Flap after Removal of Paraffinoma / 대한비뇨기과학회지

A 33-year-old man who self injected paraffin into his penis to facilitate an erection and increase his potency suffered from diffuse ulceration and a wide defect on the penile skin involving the proximal glans to the penopubic junction with a high fever. The compromised skin and subcutaneous tissue had to be completely removed and a sensate radial forearm free flap was performed around the penile shaft. This method gave the patient excellent satisfaction in both cosmetic and sexual function. Therefore, this method might be a good therapeutic alternative, especially for young adults indulging in active sexual activity and suffer from wide skin defects even though this operation is expensive and not easy.

Aesthetic and Functional Reconstruction of the Postburn Contracture in the Lower Face and Neck Area using Free Radial Forearm Flap

Often, the burn injury has produced deformities both of the facial contour and the facial cover. The hypertrophic burn scar contracture of the lower face and neck is problematic because it distress the patients, functionally and esthetically. In the correction of the lower face and neck deformities, we should focus our attention not only on the restoration of the normal form and function, but also on the achievement of more beautiful appearance. When there was no available skin adjacent to the deformed area, we reconstructed the deformities with free radial forearm flap. So we can restore the deformed face to near normal shape and get good skin quality with these flaps. There were no remarkable complications after surgeory in all cases. To get better outcome of surgery, we have to consider some points. 1) The release and resurfacing of the neck contracture should be carried out in advance. 2) The lowest margin of the flap should be limited, to at least one-finger breadth above the hyoid bone because low setting of the flap deteriorates the cervicomental angle. 3) Adhesion between the flap dermis and the defect bed may be necessary for reconstruction of dumbbell shaped lower lip subunit. Flaps did not look completely normal, but those were compatible with adjacent skin. We could have an adequate functional resurfacing and optimal esthetic outcomes while minimizing recurrent contracture.

Coverage of Donor Site Defect of Radial Forearm Free Flap by using Terudermis(R)

Split-thickness skin grafting is commonly used to cover donor site defect of radial forearm free flap. One of disadvantages in this method is contour reflection of underlying structures (tendons and muscles) with irregularity which was caused by incomplete soft tissue replacement, and we called it 'silhouette phenomenon'. To promote soft tissue replacement, we have used Terudermis(R) (atelocollagen). In 10 cases of radial forearm free flap surgery of 10 patients, Terudermis(R) was applied on flap donor site just after flap surgery, followed by split-thickness skin grafting for resurfacing after 2 weeks. In all cases, Terudermis(R) and skin graft were taken well with no complications such as skin necrosis and loss. We successfully overcame silhouette phenomenon in all cases in the follow-up period of mean 8 months. Terudermis(R) , as a tissue-restoring biomaterial, is expected to be easily used for coverage of donor site defect of radial forearm free flap.

Reconstruction of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula with Radial Forearm Free Flap: A Case Report

Pharyngocutaneous fistula formation is a serious complication after total laryngectomy and its incidence varies from 7.6% to 50%. It leads to a prolonged hospitalization and complicated rehabilitation. Although many reconstruction methods have been introduced, each has its own merit and demerit and there is no single perfect answer. In our study, the fistula was reconstructed with inner lining using hinge method and radial forearm free flap. The operation was performed in 5 patients who underwent pharyngocuatneous fistula after total laryngectormy. We obtained a satisfactory reconstruction of the fistula and natural neck contouring using this method in all cases. Only 1 patient had complication of wound infection. However, the patient was healed with conservative antibiotics therapy. We believe the radial forearm free flap with hinge flap is the optimal method for circumferential reconstruction of pharyngocutaneous fistula. In comparison with other reconstructive techniques, the radial forearm free flap offers the best combination of flap reliability and low donor site morbidity. This method also allows patients to shorten the hospitalization and meet their cosmetic needs.

Reconstruction of Glottis and Hyoppharynx using Radial Forearm - Palmaris Longus Composite Free Flap

Partial laryngectomy and pharyngectomy have been suggested for localized hypopharyngeal cancer to preserve the function of larynx. In case of limited partial laryngectomy, local soft tissue flaps are sufficient to provide adequate bulk for glottic closure. However, in case of extensive partial laryngectomy procedure in which more cartilaginous framework is resected, we feel an increased necessity of considering 'hard tissue' as well as soft tissue restoration to prevent airway collapse and glottic incompetency. We have tried radial forearm free flap including palmaris longus tendon for reconstruction of glottis and hypopharynx following a wide vertical hemilaryngopharyngectomy. We had 2 patients with hypopharyngeal cancers localized in pyriform sinus. The tendon was secured so as to drill holes in the cricoid and thyroid cartilage at the glottic level to help maintain the position of soft tissue lining and sewe as buttress for mobile vocal cord. A good restored phonation and respiration were obtained in two cases of hypopharyngeal cancer patients. But one patient suffered from frequent aspiration due to esophageal inlet stricture after radiation therapy.

Design of Radial Forearm Free Flap for Oropharyngeal Reconstruction

The reconstruction of defects after the resection of oropharyngeal tumors must not only cover the defect area but also be able to recover its functional structure enabling speech and mastication. To achieve a functional reconstruction, the volume and the length of the pedicle must be suitably designed and a donor site fit for the location and size of the defect must be chosen. However, in reality, the structures in oropharyngeal tumor patients who underwent resection to classify the different defect shapes according to the resection site. Bases on the classification of oropharyngeal defects, we tried to standardize a flap design method for the different defects. We investigated 44 patients who underwent tumor resection and reconstruction surgery for oropharyngeal tumor during the past 3 years at Severance hospital. The defects were divided into 6 zones and 4 types of design methods of radial forearm free flap were standardized. Surgery was performed on 25 patients during September of 1998 to September of 1999 with modified design methods based on the standardized ones. A faster and more efficient flap design was possible due to the standardized method. It was also possible to enable a functional reconstruction in cases where the soft palate was involved without any nasal escape.