A Study of Radial Forearm Free Flap in Intra Oral Defects following Resection of Oral Cavity Cancers.

Abstract

Back ground. Oral Cavity Cancers are most common cancers in our country, India. After undergoing wide excision they all require reconstruction. Radial forearm free flap in one of the reliable free vascularised flap. Material and methods. In this study we have retrospectively analyzed results of 38 patients who underwent reconstruction by Radial forearm free flap. Patients underwent primary reconstruction following reconstruction. Results: The Total Number of 38 patients underwent reconstruction in which 8 were females and 30 were males. In 27 patients primary site was buccal mucosa, 6 were lip, tongue were 4 and 1 patient had floor of mouth cancer. Overall success rate was ( 89.4% ). Flap failures were in 4 cases(10.5%). 2 patients required reexploration due to venous thrombosis. one patient had late graft failure. Donor site healed well in all patients except one where partial loss of skin graft was present . Conclusion. Its pliable skin, relatively less hair makes RFFF a reliable flap for reconstruction for intra oral Cancers.