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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Modified Radical Neck Dissection for Cervical Metastasis
Published on: February 20, 2026
Clinical reliability of radial forearm free-flap procedure in reconstructive head and neck surgery
Astrid L D Kruse1, Marius G Bredell, Heinz T Lübbers
1Department of Craniomaxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. astridkruse@gmx.ch
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.
