Oral cancer reconstructive surgery using the free radial forearm flap (review)

Abstract

This review covers the issues related to the application of radial free forearm flaps for the reconstruction of defects after surgeries for oral squamous cell carcinoma. The advantages of this method include optimal match of the flap to the tissues of the oral cavity, good adaptation to defect edges, and possibility to replace defects of almost any size and locations. Flap survival rate reaches 92.0–98.4 %. The method demonstrated good functional and aesthetic results when used for the repair of extensive defects of the tongue, oral floor, cheeks, as well as total defects of the lips, hard and soft palates. The main disadvantages of the method include aesthetic defects of the donor site and possible forearm dysfunction, but most patients are quite comfortable with these inconveniences. The death rate is 0.09 %; the incidence of complications is 15–24 %. The main cause of graft failure in this case is venous thrombosis. Advanced age is not currently considered as a contraindication for this method. Further studies evaluating free radial flaps are highly relevant, particularly those comparing this method with other ones and determining strict indications for it (such as size and location of the defect, tumor characteristics, and previous treatment).