Coverage of Donor Site Defect of Radial Forearm Free Flap by using Terudermis(R)

ABSTRACT

Split-thickness skin grafting is commonly used to cover donor site defect of radial forearm free flap. One of disadvantages in this method is contour reflection of underlying structures (tendons and muscles) with irregularity which was caused by incomplete soft tissue replacement, and we called it 'silhouette phenomenon'. To promote soft tissue replacement, we have used Terudermis(R) (atelocollagen). In 10 cases of radial forearm free flap surgery of 10 patients, Terudermis(R) was applied on flap donor site just after flap surgery, followed by split-thickness skin grafting for resurfacing after 2 weeks. In all cases, Terudermis(R) and skin graft were taken well with no complications such as skin necrosis and loss. We successfully overcame silhouette phenomenon in all cases in the follow-up period of mean 8 months. Terudermis(R) , as a tissue-restoring biomaterial, is expected to be easily used for coverage of donor site defect of radial forearm free flap.