Oral cancer reconstructive surgery using the free radial forearm flap (review)
https://doi.org/10.17650/2222-1468-2020-10-2-61-68
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).
About the Authors
H. Chen
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia; N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Bld. 4, 2 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., Moscow 119991
24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478
A. M. Mudunov
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia; N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Bld. 4, 2 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., Moscow 119991
24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478
R. I. Azizian
N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478
Russian Federation
24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478
I. N. Pustynskiy
N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia; N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478
1 Ostrovityanova St., Moscow 117997
D. K. Stelmah
N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478
Russian Federation
24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478
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Review
For citations:
Chen H., Mudunov A.M., Azizian R.I., Pustynskiy I.N., Stelmah D.K. Oral cancer reconstructive surgery using the free radial forearm flap (review). Head and Neck Tumors (HNT). 2020;10(2):61-68. https://doi.org/10.17650/2222-1468-2020-10-2-61-68
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