Closure of radial forearm free flap defect using full-thickness skin from the anterior abdominal wall

One of the major problems associated with the radial forearm free flap is donor site morbidity. Traditionally the defect is repaired using a split-thickness skin graft which gives poor coverage of the underlying structures, is unsightly, and in the long term may result in marked scarring. There is also morbidity associated with the skin graft donor site. We describe an alternative technique for closure of the donor site using full-thickness skin from the anterior abdominal wall. We believe this technique reduces not only donor site morbidity but also morbidity at the graft site.