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Free forearm flap in oral reconstruction. Functional outcome
M C Jacobson1, E Franssen, D M Fliss
1Speech Pathology Service, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, North York, Ontario.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Free radial forearm flap reconstruction offers favorable functional outcomes for most oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients. Specific defect locations influence functional results, highlighting the need for standardized outcome assessments.
Area of Science:
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Oral cavity and oropharyngeal defects often require complex reconstruction.
- Free radial forearm flap is a common reconstructive option.
- Functional outcomes following reconstruction are critical for patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional results of free radial forearm flap reconstruction for oral and oropharyngeal defects.
- To identify factors influencing functional outcomes based on defect location.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 30 patients with oral and oropharyngeal malignant neoplasms (T1-T4) undergoing free radial forearm flap reconstruction.
- Patients were grouped based on the site and extent of surgical resection.
- Functional outcomes of the upper aerodigestive tract were assessed using clinical evaluation and/or videofluoroscopy.
Main Results:
- Overall, functional outcomes were near-normal to fair across the patient cohort.
- Favorable function was observed in patients with unilateral tongue, floor of mouth-ventral tongue, and retromolar trigone-buccal defects.
- Variable functional outcomes were noted in patients with anterior tongue-jaw and tongue base-tonsil defects.
Conclusions:
- Free radial forearm flap reconstruction yielded favorable functional outcomes in three of five patient subgroups.
- Functional profiles varied significantly depending on the specific resection site.
- Standardized classification of resections and outcome evaluation methods are needed for future research in reconstructive surgery.