Semi‐free radial forearm flap for head and neck reconstruction in vessel‐depleted neck after radiotherapy or radical neck dissection

Abstract

Venous thrombosis is the main cause of radial forearm flap failure, especially when recipient vessels are compromised by prior radiation therapy or neck dissection. In such conditions, semi-free radial forearm flap (SF-RFF) can be performed to reduce this risk. We reviewed all SF-RFF procedures performed in our institution for head and neck reconstruction. The flap was harvested as a conventional radial forearm flap but the cephalic vein was dissected along the arm up to the deltopectoral crease and used as the sole drainage vein. Seven SF-RFFs were harvested for head and neck reconstructions. The dissection of the cephalic vein lasted less than 25 min in all cases. No flap loss or thrombosis was observed. The SF-RFF is a reliable and versatile procedure for facial, oral, or larynx reconstruction. This hybrid version of the radial forearm free flap is particularly appropriate when no suitable recipient veins are available as a result of radiation or prior surgery.