Shape-modified radial forearm free tissue transfer in oral cavity reconstruction: Technique and a prospective comparison with the conventional technique.

Abstract

Donor site morbidity is a significant drawback of the radial forearm flap. The purpose of this study is to describe a new shape-modified technique. The donor site morbidity was compared to that of the conventional technique, in terms of the esthetic, functional outcomes, and quality of life (QOL). This is a prospective study of 30 patients with oral cancer who underwent reconstruction using radial forearm flaps, in two groups. Regarding the donor site characteristics, the differences in the time for healing (P = .006), the scar score (P < .0001), and the QOL score (P < .0001) were significant. The number of patients with sensory deficit was 11 in the conventional group and 3 in the shape-modified group (P = .009). The functional and esthetic outcomes of the donor site were better for the shape-modified technique. It is best suited for small defects. Compromise of the pedicle length is a limitation.