Combined local triangular full-thickness skin graft for the closure of the radial forearm free flap donor site: a new technique

Suprafascial Harvest of the Radial Forearm Free Flap Decreases the Risk of Postoperative Tendon Exposure

OBJECTIVE

To determine if suprafascial harvest of the radial forearm free flap improves postoperative donor site outcomes compared to subfascial harvest.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients underwent reconstruction of a head and neck defect with a radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Subfascial harvest of the RFFF was performed in 25 (53%) patients and suprafascial harvest performed in 22 (47%) patients. All donor sites were covered with a split thickness skin graft and a bolster that remained in place for 6 days. Postoperative tendon exposure at the donor site occurred in 5 (20%) of the patients in the subfascial group and in 0 (0%) of the patients in the suprafascial group ( P = .05; Fisher's exact test). Average tourniquet time was 117 minutes in the subfascial group and 102 minutes in the suprafascial group. Hematoma formation occurred at the donor site in 2 (8%) and 1 (5%) patients in the subfascial and suprafascial groups, respectively. There were no complete or partial flap losses in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Suprafascial harvest of the RFFF decreases the risk of postoperative tendon exposure. The suprafascial harvest technique does not increase harvest time or donor site complications, nor does it negatively impact flap vascularity.

[Rotation and advancement of the radial-based fasciocutaneous flap for primary closure of the radial forearm flap donor defect]

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and clinical application value of a new method for primary donor-site closure of radial forearm flaps with the use of rotation and advancement of radial-based fasciocutaneous flaps.

METHODS

The forearm donor-site defects of 36 patients were primarily closed by rotation and advancement of radial-based fasciocutaneous flaps after radial flap harvest from November 2014 to May 2015. Patients included 28 males and 8 females aged 28 to 67 years (53.6 years old on average). Flap size ranged from 3.0 cm×5.0 cm to 4.0 cm×6.0 cm. Wound healing, scar hyperplasia, and forearm appearance were recorded and evaluated. Wrist flexion angle, dorsal extension angle, ulnar deviation angle, and radial deviation angle were measured three and six months after the operation. Wrist joint loss index was calculated and compared with the preoperative index to evaluate wrist function recovery. The results were subjected to comparative t-
test to perform statistical analysis with SPSS 19.0 statistical software package.

RESULTS

Forearm donor sites were successfully closed without skin grafting in all patients. Skin ischemia caused by excessive tension was observed at the incision edge in five cases, thereby leading to skin exfoliation and pigment loss without affecting wound healing. All patients were followed up at six and twelve months, and presented a satisfactory appearance. No scar hyperplasia was observed. No significant difference was observed in radial deviation, ulnar deviation, palmar flexion, dorsiflexion, radial deflection angle, or wrist joint loss index (P>0.05) after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of rotation and advancement of radial-based fasciocutaneous flaps can directly close small-to-medium radial forearm flap donor defects. Satisfactory postoperative appearance can be achieved with no loss in wrist joint function. The novel method prove worthy of promotion and application in clinical work.