Clinical reliability of radial forearm free-flap procedure in reconstructive head and neck surgery.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the indications, reliability, and complications of the radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap (RFFF) procedure in reconstructive head and neck surgery.

Methods: The records of 81 patients who were treated with an RFFF between 1998 and 2009 were systematically reviewed. Data of recipient localization, previous T status, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

Results: From the 50 male and 31 female patients, 4 patients (3 men and 1 woman) experienced flap failure during the first 36 hours: in 1 patient because of arterial and in 3 patients because of venous complications. None of the 4 patients had preoperative radiotherapy. A dehiscence was observed in 2 patients without a need for further surgery.

Conclusions: With a success rate of more than 95%, the RFFF is a reliable flap and a workhorse, particularly in defects where thinness is needed to substitute for the oral mucosa, such as on the floor of the mouth or the tongue.