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Morphologic changes in forearm flaps of the oral cavity
T Shibahara1, H Noma, E Takeda
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan. sibahara@tdc.ac.jp
Summary
Forearm flaps used for oral reconstruction undergo significant morphologic changes, including epidermal thinning and mucosalization, within months of exposure to the oral environment.
Area of Science:
- Oral surgery
- Plastic surgery
- Histopathology
Background:
- Forearm flaps are utilized for intraoral reconstruction following cancer treatment.
- Understanding the long-term adaptation of these flaps is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphologic changes in forearm flaps within the oral environment.
- To evaluate the histological adaptation of grafted forearm flaps over time.
Main Methods:
- Histologic evaluation of 20 forearm flap biopsy specimens.
- Specimens were collected 1 to 75 months post-reconstruction.
- Staining techniques included Hematoxylin and eosin and Azan.
Main Results:
- Clinical features of the flap correlated with the time elapsed since surgery.
- Histological examination revealed thinning of the cornified epidermal layer.
- Evidence of mucosalization was observed.
Conclusions:
- Forearm flaps undergo significant adaptation when exposed to the intraoral environment.
- Mucosalization of the forearm flap becomes evident after approximately 11 months.
- These changes are critical for successful long-term intraoral reconstruction.