Robot-assisted radial forearm free flap harvesting: a propensity score-matched case-control study

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Head and Neck Reconstruction

Background:

• Radial forearm flap is a reliable choice for soft tissue reconstruction.
• Minimizing donor site morbidity is crucial in head and neck procedures.
• Novel techniques are needed to improve existing reconstructive methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel robot-assisted technique for radial forearm flap harvesting.
• To compare the outcomes and complications of robot-assisted versus conventional radial forearm flap harvesting.
• To assess the feasibility and potential benefits of robotic assistance in reducing donor site morbidity.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 42 radial forearm free flap reconstructions (31 conventional, 11 robot-assisted).
• Propensity score matching was used to control for patient variables and anastomosis techniques.
• Flap vitality and donor site complications were primary outcome measures.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in flap outcome was observed between the groups (100% vitality robot-assisted vs. 90.9% conventional).
• Robot-assisted harvesting demonstrated significantly longer mean harvesting times (107.2 min vs. 67.0 min).
• Robot-assisted harvesting potentially minimizes incision size, reducing donor site complications.

Conclusions:

• Robot-assisted radial forearm flap harvesting is a viable technique that maintains high flap vitality.
• The technique may reduce donor site complications through smaller incisions.
• Further experience and case selection are expected to improve harvesting times, enhancing feasibility.