Comparison of the clinical outcome of defect reconstruction after oral cancer resection using forearm flap and trapezius myocutaneous flap pedicled with the transverse cervical artery

Abstract

Objective To compare and analyze the effects of forearm flap and superior trapezius myocutaneous flap in repairing oral cancer defects. Methods 56 cases of defect repair after oral cancer radical surgery were treated with the forearm flap (29 cases) and superior trapezius myocutaneous flap (27 cases). The success rate, postoperative quality of life and postoperative recovery time of the two groups were compared. The t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results The success rate of forearm flap group was 96.6%(28/29) compared to 96.3%(26/27) in the trapezius myocutaneous flap group (P=0.920). The postoperative recovery time was (9.4±2.7) d (forearm flap group) and (9.3±2.6) d (trapezius myocutaneous flap group), respectively (P=0.489). The score of postoperative quality of life was 576.3±76.2 (forearm flap group) and 568.4±79.3 (trapezius myocutaneous flap group), respectively (P=0.471). There was no significant difference in all comparisons (P>0.05). Conclusions The free forearm flap and the superior trapezius myocutaneous flap pedicled with the transverse cervical artery can be used to repair the oral cancer, and satisfactory function and ideal clinical effect can be achieved. Both two kinds of flaps have high success rate and good clinical practical value. The latter has little influence on the donor site, and can be used as the first choice. Key words: Surgical flaps; Forearm; Trapezius muscle; Transverse cervical artery; Mouth neoplasms