Radial Forearm Flap Reconstruction Research Articles

Application of Reversed Radial Forearm Flap for Reconstruction of a Dorsal Hand Soft Tissue Defect: А Clinical Case

Worldwide, surgical techniques for soft-tissue hand defects have made use of the reversed radial forearm flap. Generally, has been used in dorsal hand defects. In this case report, we showed the outcome of a case where the reversed radial forearm flap was applied to treat the dorsal hand defect. A 45-year-old patient who was injured in November 2020 as a result of stacking the right hand in the rotational mechanism. The injury was received 3 days before admission to the hospital. The first stage of surgical treatment was performed - necrectomy of the wound of the right hand. Afterwards, therapy using vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C) was administered for 18 days. Once granulations had formed in the wound, the patient underwent the second phase of surgical intervention. The reversed radial forearm flap was turned and placed in order to close an opened, exposed bones and tendons in the dorsum of hand. There was no complication with flap viability in the postoperative period. Patient’s joint range of motion and vital functions were acceptable. This case showed that the Reversed Radial Forearm Flap can also be used in dorsal hand defects.Keywords: flap, pedicled flap, soft tissue injuries, hand injuries

Airway Fire During Tracheostomy

Introduction Airway fire is a life-threatening complication in the operation table which is preventable. We report an incident of airway fire that occurred during a tracheostomy and discuss what went wrong. Case report A 48-year-old gentleman with carcinoma tongue and multinodular goiter underwent modified radical neck dissection, hemithyroidectomy, tracheostomy, hemi glossectomy, and free radial forearm flap reconstruction. During tracheal hemostasis with cautery, a flame appeared, and airway burns resulted. It was extinguished in a few seconds with wet mops, but the resultant combustion injury of the tracheobronchial tree and later bilateral pneumonia required multiple sittings of bronchoscopic toileting and intensive airway management for recovery. Discussion This report is to make anesthetists and surgeons aware of such a rare but life-threatening complication, its prevention, and early therapeutic steps which can prevent long-term complications and death.

Comparison of T1/2 Tongue Carcinoma with or without Radial Forearm Flap Reconstruction Regarding Post-Therapeutic Function, Survival, and Gender.

Flap reconstruction is commonly used in advanced tongue carcinoma in order to compensate for the loss of tongue tissue and function. Surprisingly, a large number of reconstructed early-stage tongue cancer can be found. Survival or functional benefits in these cases remain unclear. A retrospective data analysis of 384 surgically treated tongue carcinoma patients was conducted aiming to find epidemiologic and survival differences between patients with (n = 158) or without flap reconstruction (n = 226). A prospective functional analysis was performed on 55 early-stage tongue cancer patients, 33 without and 22 with radial-forearm flap reconstruction, focusing on post-therapeutic swallowing function as the primary endpoint, speech as the secondary endpoint, xerostomia, quality of life, and mouth opening. Consistent with the current literature, we demonstrated the significantly more frequent use of flap grafts in advanced tongue carcinomas. For the first time, we depicted a higher female ratio in the reconstructed group (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in survival or functional outcomes between the groups. The none-reconstructed group showed more frequent use of adjuvant C/RT despite presenting fewer N+ stages. The higher female ratio in the reconstruction group is plausible due to the anatomically smaller oral cavity and relatively larger carcinoma in women. A higher presence of close margins in the none-reconstruction group may explain the more frequent use of adjuvant C/RT. Since we found no survival or functional differences between the groups, we propose a critical approach toward flap reconstruction in T1/2 tongue carcinoma. At the same time, proportional aspects and adequate resection margins should be taken into account.

Functional and aesthetic outcome of different methods of reconstruction of full thickness lip defects.

Background: The lip has functional and aesthetic importance. Lip defects occur due to the variety of etiology and the choice of their reconstruction has profound effect on functions and cosmesis. There are multiple options available for reconstruction according to defect size, but superiority of one method over another is still debated and hence the methods and their outcome were analyzed prospectively.Material and method: Twenty-one patients with all sizes and locations of defects in upper and lower lip with acquired etiology were included in the evaluation. Reconstruction was performed according to defect size, availability of local/regional and distant donor tissue, defect location, patients’ comorbid conditions and patients’ preference. Patients were assessed at 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. Observers’ and patients’ input were also taken into account for outcome.Results: Out of 21 patients, 5 free radial artery forearm flap reconstructions, 4 nasolabial flap reconstructions, 5 primary closures of defect, 4 Estlander flap reconstructions, 2 lip advancements, and one Karapandzic flap reconstruction were done. Free flap and nasolabial flap had hypoesthesia and incompetence if commissure is reconstructed and problem of bulk, restricted mobility and vermilion mismatch. Local and lip flaps were associated with decreased stoma size and some form of local scarring and asymmetry. However, all patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic outcome.Conclusion: Local flaps are better in terms of functional and aesthetic outcome but with some degree of microstomia which was well tolerated by most patients. Regional and distant flaps provide reconstruction where no other option is available and provide good functional support and acceptable cosmesis.

Application of trifoliate flap design of radial forearm flap in reconstruction of defects after mouth floor cancer resection

Objective: To evaluate the effect of trifoliate flap design of radial forearm flap in reconstruction of defects after mouth floor cancer resection. Methods: From June 2016 to December 2019, 12 patients with defect after resection of mouth floor cancer were treated with trifoliate flap design of radial forearm flap. All of these patients were T2 stage, included 9 well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 3 moderate differentiated SCC. The defect size ranged from 8.0 cm×6.0 cm to 5.0 cm×4.5 cm after resection of tumor and neck dissection. All defects were repaired with trifoliate flap design of radial forearm flap. The flap size ranged from 8.0 cm×2.0 cm to 4.0 cm×1.5 cm, the donor site was sutured directly on Z plasty. Results: All flaps completely survived well. Both the wound and the donor site were stage Ⅰ healing. With the average follow-up of 38.6 months, the swallowing and speech function were satisfactory. Conclusions: Trifoliate flap design of radial forearm flap can effectively repair the postoperative defect of mouth floor cancer, and the donor site can be directly sutured on Z plasty. This technique can avoid forearm scar caused by skin grafting and the formation of the second donor site.

Utility of Concurrent Surgical Treatment Strategy with Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy for Patients with Synchronous Esophageal and Head and Neck Cancer.

Background: Patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) have a high frequency to coincide with head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aims to analyze the treatment results and prognosis of patients with synchronous ESCC and HNC. Methods: From January 2016 to December 2019, 5 patients underwent concurrent surgical resection of synchronous ESCC and HNC in our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcomes and prognosis of these patients with synchronous ESCC and HNC (HNEC group) and compared the results with those of 20 patients who underwent esophagectomy with three regional lymph node dissections for ESCC during the same period (EC group). Results: The locations of HNCs were pharynx/tongue (4/1) and the clinical stages were Stage IV in all patients. Meanwhile, the clinical stages of ESCCs were Stages 0/I/II/III (1/1/2/1). All patients underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The surgical procedures concurrently performed for HNC were pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunum transfer in 3 patients, wide tongue and mandibular segment resection with mandibular reconstruction in 1 patient, and mandibular transection with radial forearm flap reconstruction in 1 patient. There was no significant difference in the frequency of postoperative complication between these two groups. The HNEC group had a significantly shorter recurrence-free survival than the EC group (P = .046). Conclusion: Head and neck surgery with thoracoscopic esophagectomy can be safely performed concurrently with local control. The risk of recurrence is higher in ESCC patients with HNC; therefore, it is important to move on to adjuvant therapy without delay.

113 CONCURRENT SURGICAL TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR SYNCHRONOUS ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AND HEAD AND NECK CANCER IN OUR INSTITUTION

Abstract Esophageal cancer patients have a high frequency to coincide with head and neck (H&N) cancer. We have corporated together with Otorhinolaryngology, H&N Surgery, and Plastic surgery department doctors for the treatment of synchronous esophageal and H&N cancer patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the treatment results and prognosis of synchronous esophageal and H&N cancer patients. Methods From January 2014 to December 2019, 5 patients underwent concurrent surgical resection of synchronous esophageal and H&N cancer in our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcomes and prognosis of these patients of synchronous esophageal and H&N cancer (HNEC group) and compared the results with 27 patients who had esophagectomy with 3 regional lymph node dissection during the same period (EC group). Results The location of H&N cancers were pharynx/tongue; 4/1, and clinical stage was all Stage IV. The clinical stage of esophageal cancers was Stage 0/I/II/III; 1/1/2/1. All patients underwent video-assisted thoracic esophagectomy. The surgical procedures concurrently performed for the H&N cancer were pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunum transfer for 3 patients, wide tongue and mandibular segment resection with mandibular reconstruction in 1 patient, and mandibular transection with radial forearm flap reconstruction in 1 patient. There was no significant difference in the frequency of postoperative complication between 2 groups. HNEC group tend to have shorter recurrence free survival compared to EC group (p = 0.051). Conclusion H&N surgery with thoracotomy is a highly invasive surgery, however, it can be safely performed with local management. The risk of recurrence is high in H&N cancer patients, therefore it is important to move onto adjuvant therapy without delay. Paraenteral nutrition may be useful in management of these patients.

Alternatives to free flap surgery for maxillofacial reconstruction: focus on the submental island flap and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

BackgroundMicrovascular tissue transfer (MTT) has been established as the gold standard in oral- and maxillofacial reconstruction. However, free flap surgery may be critical in multimorbid elderly patients and after surgery or radiotherapy, which aggravate microsurgery. This study evaluates indications and outcome of the submental island flap (SMIF) and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) as alternatives to the free radial forearm flap (RFF).MethodsThis retrospective study included 134 patients who had undergone resection and reconstruction with SMIF, PMMF, or RFF at our department between 2005 and 2020. The level of comorbidity was measured with the Age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI). Primary outcome variables were flap success, complications, wound dehiscence, surgery duration, as well as time at the ICU and the ward (hospitalization). Chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA were performed for statistics.Results24 SMIFs, 52 RFFs, and 58 PMMFs were included in this study. The flap types did not significantly differ in terms of flap success, complications, and healing disorders. The SMIF presented a success rate of 95.8% and was significantly more often used in elderly patients (mean age = 70.2 years; p < 0.001) with increased comorbidities than the PMMF (p < 0.01) and RFF (p < 0.001). SMIF reconstruction reduced surgery duration (p < 0.001) and time at the ICU (p = 0.009) and the ward (p < 0.001) more than PMMF and RFF reconstructions. PMMF reconstruction was successful in 91.4% of patients and was more frequently used after head and neck surgery (p < 0.001) and radiotherapy (p < 0.001) than SMIF and RFF reconstructions. Patients undergoing PMMF reconstruction more frequently required segmental jaw resection and had presented with advanced tumor stages (both p < 0.001). Nicotine and alcohol abuse was more frequent in the RFF and PMMF groups (both p < 0.001) than in the SMIF group.ConclusionsThe pedicled SMIF represents a valuable reconstructive option for elderly patients with increased comorbidity because of the shorter duration of surgery and hospitalization. On the other hand, the PMMF serves as a solid backup solution after head and neck surgery or radiotherapy. The rates of flap success, complications, and healing disorders of both pedicled flaps are comparable to those of free flap reconstruction.

Free radial artery forearm flap reconstruction of forehead defect in a 2-year-old child

Reconstruction of soft tissue defect with exposed bone over the forehead is a technical challenge in pediatric population. The options vary from skin grafting, local flaps to complex microvascular tissue transfer. The local flaps leave unsightly scar in the neighboring area and may violate the hair bearing scalp, hair line and the direction of hair. Skin grafting requires a vascular bed for its take and the aesthetic appearance is inferior. The tissue expansion in an acute stage may not be an option. Here we present our experience of soft tissue reconstruction of a forehead defect in a 2-year-old child with free radial forearm flap (RAFF). To best of our knowledge free radial forearm flap has rarely been reported for usage in reconstruction of forehead defect in pediatric population.

Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volumetry of Radial Forearm Flap Reconstructions After Craniomaxillofacial Tumor Resection.

Oral cancer is a common and life threatening disease that requires interdisciplinary treatment and often necessitates complex facial reconstruction. Standard care includes tumor resection, while reconstruction is routinely performed with free radial forearm flaps. As esthetic results are crucial for quality of life, flap size, flap volume, and flap composition have to be considered. To date no standardized measurement of flap volume and shrinkage has been established for routine use. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the transplant volume of radial forearm flaps in craniomaxillofacial reconstruction using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetry. Ten postoperative MR sequences of 5 patients were included. All patients had received transplantation of radial forearm flaps after tumor resection and radiation therapy. Evaluated parameters were: sex, age, type of flap, flap volume. Two different observers (1 surgeon and 1 radiologist) segmented transplant volume at three different time points in a postoperative MRI independently and in consensus, using both axial and coronal slices. A nonfat saturated T1 spin echo sequence was used. Mean transplant volume was calculated. A total of 90 volumetric measurements were included. Overall Tvolm was 24.83 cm from axial sections and 27.25 cm from coronal sections. Measurements for axial and coronal orientations differed significantly. Results showed excellent intra- and inter-rater correlation, coefficient for rater A and rater B were 0.91 (axial) and 0.96 (coronal). MRI volumetry is a noninvasive reproducible method to quantify volume of free radial forearm flaps in situ but should follow specific considerations for best results.

Free radial forearm flap for reconstruction of postoperative defects in combined and complex treatment of patients with locally-advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

The study objectiveis to assess immediate and long-term results of replacing complex defects with a free radial forearm flap in the multimodal treatment of patients with locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.Materials and methods.Twenty eight patients (20 women and 8 men aged 23 to 71 years) with locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (including 10 buccal cancers, 8 carcinomas of tongue, 6 carcinomas of the floor of the mouth, 2 retromolar area carcinomas, 1 carcinoma of the hard palate and 1 carcinoma of alveolar region of the lower jaw) underwent tumor surgery with simultaneous plastic reconstruction of the defect using radial forearm free flap at the department of head and neck tumors of N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology within 2010–2018. Primary tumors were detected in 2 patients and 11 patients had residual (n = 7) or recurrent (n = 4) tumors after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Results.An overall success rate was 96.4 %. Postoperative histology revealed that there were no tumor cells at the resection edges. Postoperative complications included: complete flap necrosis in 1 patient with severe concomitant diseases, marginal flap necrosis in 2 patients (in both cases after the necrotic tissue had rejected, wounds were healed by secondary intention), sural veins thrombosis in 1 patient, acute peptic ulcer bleeding on the 6th day after surgery in 1 patient treated with emergency endoscopic hemostasis. No lethal outcomes were reported. Postoperative period lasted in average 14 days. Upon subsequent observation tumor relapse in the oral cavity occurred in 4 (14.3 %) patients, relapses of regional metastases – in 2 (7.1 %). Good aesthetic and functional results were noted. Adequate restoration of breathing, chewing, swallowing and speaking resulted in a full patients’ rehabilitation. In all cases, the radial flap adapted well to the oral cavity organs and corresponded to the surrounding tissues in thickness and consistency.Conclusion.Use of a radial forearm free flap makes it possible to successfully reconstruct extensive and complex defects after surgery of locally advanced primary and recurrent forms of oral cavity squamous cell cancer of various locations. Due to flap’s high regenerative capabilities, preoperative radiation therapy does not affect the frequency of local complications. It allows restoring vital functions of the oral cavity and achieving good aesthetic and functional results.

Assessment of Functional Recovery and Subjective Donor-Site Morbidity Following Radial Forearm Flap Reconstruction in Small- to Moderate-Sized Palatal Defects.

Palatal defects are encountered following tumor extirpation, trauma, or congenitally. Among the known alternatives, radial artery free forearm flap (RAFF) is a versatile flap that confers good results in head and neck reconstruction, but donor-site morbidity has been an issue of discontent among the plastic surgeons. This limitation needs to be studied further and addressed considering the unmatched quality of this tissue. This study aims to weigh the impact of the functional edge of this flap against the unpopular donor-site morbidity on a group of patients. This is a retrospective analysis of recuperation of palatal function and patient concerns with the donor-site function and cosmesis on 7 consecutive patients with small-to-moderate palatal defects reconstructed with RAFF. Postoperative recovery of speech, palatal movement, and restoration of oromaxillary interface was assessed using objective tests, such as speech intelligibility testing and articulation studies. Simultaneously, subjective donor-site function and cosmesis were assessed using Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS), Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI), and donor limb sensory testing. Mean PSAS score was 8.28/60, and UEFI score reported was 77/80, which reflect high patient satisfaction with the donor site. Nasoendoscopy shows remarkable restoration of palate anatomy. Intelligibility testing depicts near-normal speech understandability, whereas articulation studies revealed distortions post-palatal reconstruction with RAFF. Radial artery free forearm flap should be considered as the forerunner of reconstruction in palatal defects involving less than 50%.

Usage of Reversed Radial Forearm Flap for Reconstruction of Hand and Wrist Defects

Objectives: To highlight the usefulness of reverse radialforearm fasciocutaneous flap in covering various soft tissuedefects of hand and wrist.Study Design: Descriptive, experimental study.Setting: Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery,Tanta University Hospitals.Material and Methods: A total of 15 reverse radial forearmflaps were utilized to cover various soft tissue defects of handand wrist from various etiologies including road traffic accidents,mechanical trauma, and industrial trauma and fireworksinjuries were included. Patients with segmental bone loss andthose patients having partial of complete amputation of thumbwere excluded. The age ranged from 22-43 (mean 22.5) years.Soft tissue defects of dorsum were covered with this flap in7 cases, 3 cases on palmer aspect and 5 cases for 1st webspace and the index finger defects each. Patients were followedfor at least three months post-operatively.Results: We had partial loss of flap in two cases that wasmanaged with debridement and skin grafting. Superficialepidermolysis was found in one case and managed conservatively.Donor site was skin grafted in 13 cases, which washealed uneventfully and quite acceptable to the patients indue course of time and direct clousure in 2 cases.Conclusion: Reverse radial artery flap has a quite longarc of rotation, which brings it great ease to cover the softtissue defects of various areas of hand like palm, dorsum,first web space.

Radial forearm flap for reconstruction in mandibular defects posterior to oncologic surgery: our clinical outcomes

Radial forearm flap for reconstruction in mandibular defects posterior to oncologic surgery: our clinical outcomes

Negative pressure wound therapy as a definitive treatment for upper extremity wound defects: A systematic review.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) represents one of the many solutions for complex wounds of the upper extremity. The goal of this study was to investigate the most common indications for definitive treatment of wound defects in the upper extremity with NPWT and to report revision surgery outcomes after its use. A systematic review of the literature was performed. The following keywords and their combinations were used: "upper extremity," "arm," "forearm," "wrist," "hand," "finger" AND "negative-pressure wound therapy," "VAC therapy," "vacuum assisted closure." A total of 45 articles were included, regrouping 404 cases of NPWT in the upper extremity. The forearm was involved in 53% of cases, followed by hand (36%), fingers (10%), and arm (1%). Seventeen different indications were cited, the most common of which were radial forearm flap reconstruction (23%), burn wounds (18%), and compartment syndromes (17%). Of the cases, 90% did not require any subsequent surgical procedure, as opposed to 6% considered partial failures requiring minor revisions and 4% total failures requiring major revisions. Closure of radial forearm flap donor site required the most revision procedures when treated with NPWT. NPWT can be used for several indications pertaining to the reconstruction of the upper extremity. Positive outcomes as a definitive treatment are demonstrated in this systematic review, which reaffirms NPWT as a potent tool for reconstructive endeavours.

Clinical application of folded free radial forearm flaps for reconstruction of full-tickness cheek defects after resection of buccal carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of folded free radial forearm flaps (RFF) for reconstruction of full-tickness cheek defects after the resection of buccal carcinoma.Method:Seventeen cases of buccal carcinoma received radical neck dissection with cheekectomy and mandibulectomy, and the folded RFF to reconstruct full-tickness cheek defects simultaneously. Preoperative Allen test, ultrasonic doppler blood flow meter examination or computed tomography angiography confirmed good vascular condition of the forearm. Result: RFF were obtained from all patients, and completely survived. During the follow-up period of 6-36 months, the lateral morphology of the cheek was restored well and the mouth opening is normal. Language and swallowing function recovered well, without salivation or cheek biting. There were no obvious complications in the donor site. One case（T₃N₁M₀）died of pulmonary metastatic carcinoma a year later. Conclusion:The success rate is high and the morphology and function recovered well of the folded RFF for reconstruction of full-tickness cheek defects, so it is a reliable method to reconstruct full-tickness cheek defects after the resection of buccal carcinoma.

An algorithm to improve outcomes of radial forearm flap donor site

AbstarctBackground: Due to the high rate of donor site complications the Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) has lost ground in favor of the Antero-lateral tight flap (ALT) and other flaps. We have designed a reconstruction algorithm for reconstruction of its donor site. The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the impact of this algorithm on RFF donor site complication rates.Methods: The authors analyzed retrospectively 31 patients who underwent free radial forearm flap reconstruction between November 2009 and May 2013. Donor site complications were compared with data from patients treated before introdutction of the algorithm. Within the group were compared patients in which the flap was harvested suprafascial with those in which the flap was harvested as subfascial.Results: Before application of the algorithm, there was a 23.3% complication rate at the RFF donor site, in our experience. After introduction of the algorithm, complication rate has dropped to 3.2%, consisting in a partial skin graft necrosis treated by local wound-care and healed without further intervention.Conclusions: Application of the algorithm described has led to a significant reduction in RFF donor site complication rates. This demonstrates that if flap donor sites are analyzed and tailor treated in the same way as primary defects are, instead of being given secondary importance and just grafted, outcomes improve.

Proper Choice of Donor Site Veins for Patients Undergoing Free Radial Forearm Flap Reconstruction for the Defects of Head and Neck

The purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability of the deep venous drainage system of the free radial forearm flap. The authors implemented a retrospective cohort study and enrolled patients admitted for the evaluation and management of head and neck tumors with radial forearm flap reconstruction. The primary predictor variables were the donor site veins, including the deep, dual, and superficial venous drainage systems. The primary outcome measurement was the incidence of venous compromise. Potential confounders included patient demographics, history of chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy, defect sites, and the recipient artery and vein. The χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. The final study population consisted of 520 patients (mean age, 54years) who underwent head and neck soft tissue reconstruction using the free radial forearm flap. Patients with the deep system (odds ratio [OR]=0.251; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.108-0.581) or dual system (OR=0.197; 95% CI, 0.064-0.605) had a markedly lower risk of venous compromise than those with the superficial system. The overall incidence of inadequate outflow was 2.5% (5 of 204) when the deep system was used alone and 8.9% (19 of 212) when the superficial system was used alone (P=.004). Patients with the deep venous drainage system had a statistically lower risk of venous compromise. This study recommends using the deep system as a drainage vein for the free radial forearm flap.

Assessment of perfusion of free flaps used in head and neck reconstruction using pulsatility index.

Objective:To detect venous or arterial obstruction in the pedicle of a free flap we can monitor resistance in the flap bed which is reflected in Pulsatility Index (PI) Therefore if we detect change in the values of the PI in these flaps then we can detect complications in flap due to vascular insufficiency early.Materials and Methods:Seven patients of Free Fibular Flap Reconstruction and ten patients of Free Radial Forearm Flap reconstruction were evaluated over a period of 18 months. In the pre op we recorded PI of Radial and Peroneal artery using colour doppler study. In the Post Operative Period 2 readings of PI at the anastomotic site were taken on Day 1 and Day 7.Results:Both Free Radial Forearm and Free Fibula flaps which were healthy (n = 15) showed a significant decrease in PI values on first Post Op day as compared to Pre Op. Also there was a significant fall in PI on Post Op Day 7 as compared to post op Day 1 (P < 0.05) in these flaps. The flaps developing complications (n = 2) had significantly higher Day 1 Post op PI readings as compared to healthy flaps (P < 0.05).Conclusion:PI is an objective index which can indicate changes in perfusion of free flaps used in Head and Neck reconstruction based on which we can predict if a flap is susceptible to circulatory compromise.

Functional rehabilitation in advanced intraoral cancer.

Introduction:Modern treatment of advanced intraoral cancer involves multidisciplinary teams with use of complicated reconstructive techniques to provide improved survival with optimal rehabilitation. Mastication is an important part of this process, and it can be severely impaired by tumor ablation. Whether flap reconstruction is a determinant factor in dental rehabilitation is still in debate.Patients and methods:Thirty-five patients with advanced intraoral cancer were reviewed to determine dental rehabilitation of different reconstructive techniques. The patients were treated with a multidisciplinary team approach. The patients’ demographics, primary treatment, reconstructive surgery, dental rehabilitation, and functional outcome were recorded and analyzed.Results:Nine patients had Stadium III disease, and 26 patients had stadium IV. Thirty-two patients (91.42%) received postoperative radiotherapy. Masticatory and dental functional rehabilitation of patients was very poor. Only 15 patients (42.86%) could eat a normal diet, whereas 18 patients (51.42%) could manage only soft diets, and 2 patients (5.72%) could only be fed with a liquid diet. Denture rehabilitation was even more frustrating and had a direct impact on masticatory rehabilitation. Only 10 patients (28.57%) could use dentures postoperatively and 40% of patients (14 patients) could not use any denture at all. Above all reconstructive techniques, the free radial forearm flap provides the best functional outcome.Conclusions:Reconstruction of advanced intraoral cancer results in poor denture rehabilitation, especially when bulky flaps are used. If massive resections are necessary, the free radial forearm flap reconstruction provides the best functional outcome.