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Abstract Objectives: The Lateral Arm Free Flap (LAFF) offers advantageous features like variable thickness and minimal hair growth. LAFF is primarily used in orofacial and pharyngeal reconstructions, with limited reports on tracheal/esophageal applications. Also, the psychological prognosis and quality of life in patients with LAFF reconstruction are lacking. Methods: This retrospective case series presents outcomes of LAFF reconstruction for head and neck surgical defects which included 19 patients. The disease type, location of reconstruction, TNM staging, tumor size, chemoradiation status, anxiety, depression, quality of life and detailed perioperative information of the LAFF reconstruction surgery were presented in a descriptive pattern. Subgroup analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U and Pearson r test Conclusions: The lateral arm free flap exhibits remarkable versatility and multifunctionality, providing advantageous outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. Level of evidence: Level 4 according to OCEBM.
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Objective:To investigate the value of the lateral arm free flap (LAFF)in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects af-ter resection of malignant tumor.Methods:22 cases received LAFF from January 2012 to December 2012 were studied.The flap size,preparation time,vessel diameter,anastomosis time,survival situation,success rate and postoperative results were observed. Results:The flap ranged from 14 cm ×8 cm to 6 cm ×4 cm.All flaps survived well without vascular crisis.Repair results were satis-factory.Conclusion:LAFF,with constant anatomy and simple preparation,can be applied in the repair of oral and maxillofacial de-fects after tumor resection.