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CC BY-NC 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2015; 42(06): 769-775
DOI: 10.5999/aps.2015.42.6.769
Original Article

Stabilizing Morbidity and Predicting the Aesthetic Results of Radial Forearm Free Flap Donor Sites

Tae Kyoung Yun
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Eul Sik Yoon
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Duck Sun Ahn
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Seung Ha Park
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Byung Il Lee
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Hyon Surk Kim
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Hi Jin You
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Background The radial forearm flap is a versatile, widely used flap. However, the possibility of donor site complications has led to concern over its use. Some surgeons prefer using other flaps whose donor sites can be closed primarily with less morbidity, including avoiding unpleasant scarring. However, in our experience, donor site stability of the radial forearm flap can be reliably achieved by using well-implemented specific procedures. Here, we present a collection of donor site cases of the radial forearm flap and investigate factors that affect the aesthetic results as the basis for a reference for selecting a radial forearm flap.

Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed 171 cases in which a radial forearm flap was used for free tissue transfer after resecting head and neck cancer. We focused on donor site morbidity rates. Each operation involved a detailed procedure designed to minimize donor site morbidity. Moreover, statistical investigations were conducted for 22 cases to determine factors affecting the scar appearance.

Results Only one case developed total skin graft necrosis as a major complication. Scar-related aesthetic results were acceptable, and the body-mass index, body weight, diabetes, and cardiac problems were significant factors related to the appearance of scars.

Conclusions Performing the radial forearm flap using a well-implemented detailed technique helps achieve acceptable donor site morbidity results. The aesthetic results were more promising for patients without excess body weight, diabetes, or cardiac problems. Therefore, anxiety about donor site morbidity should not be a reason to avoid selecting the radial forearm flap in suitable patients.

Keywords

Free tissue flaps - Skin transplantation - Morbidity - Cicatrix - Aesthetics


Publication History

Received: 27 March 2015

Accepted: 29 May 2015

Article published online:
05 May 2022

© 2015. The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, permitting unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

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