Use of vacuum sealing drainage therapy in the closure of a radial forearm flap donor site defect with a full-thickness skin graft

Abstract

ObjectiveThe donor site defect of a radial forearm free flap is typically repaired with a full-thickness or split-thickness skin graft. Reports of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) therapy for the closure of a radial forearm flap donor site defect with a full-thickness skin graft are rarely presented. This clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of VSD therapy for the closure of radial forearm flap donor site defects with full-thickness skin grafts. MethodsThis study reviewed the cases of 28 patients (including eight patients with type 2 diabetes) who had undergone reconstruction of soft tissue defects resulting from resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma with radial forearm free flaps. VSD dressings were applied on the radial forearm flap donor sites in all patients. ResultsComplete coverage of the donor site defect with full-thickness skin graft was evident in (n=27) 96% of patients. Only one patient (4%) exhibited a partial loss of the graft at its edge. No tendon exposure was noted. The long-term functional and esthetic results were excellent over 4–12 months of follow-up. ConclusionsVSD therapy is a safe, effective, and simple technique for closing a radial forearm flap donor site defect with a full-thickness skin graft.