Reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects utilizing a free radial forearm flap

The authors report their experience with free radial forearm flaps for oropharyngeal reconstruction. Fifteen patients who submitted to intraoral reconstruction with this flap were followed for periods ranging from 3 to 36 months, with a mean of 14 months. Ages ranged from 15 to 58 years with a mean of 41. The defects were secondary to tumor ablation (11 patients), complications of conventional treatment for congenital deformities (3 patients) and trauma resulting from a gunshot wound to the upper lip and palate (1 patient). Total necrosis of 1 flap occurred and 1 patient required reoperation on the first postoperative day for revision of the anastomoses. Our results enable us to recommend the radial forearm flap as the flap of choice for reconstruction of extensive oropharyngeal defects.