Reconstruction of Partial Hypopharyngeal Defects following Total Laryngectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various operative techniques exist to reconstruct partial hypopharyngeal defects following total laryngectomy. The current study aimed to investigate and compare complications and functional results following commonly used reconstructive techniques. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using studies that investigated outcomes after the reconstruction of a partial hypopharyngeal defect. The outcomes of interest were fistulas, strictures, flap failure, swallowing function and postoperative speech. RESULTS: Of the 4035 studies identified, 23 were included in this review. Four common reconstructive techniques were reported, with a total of 794 patients: (1) pectoralis major myocutaneous and (2) myofascial flap, (3) anterolateral thigh free flap and (4) radial forearm free flap. Fistulas occurred significantly more often than pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps (34%, 95% CI 23-47%) compared with other flaps (p < 0.001). No significant differences in the rates of strictures or flap failure were observed. Pectoralis major myofascial flaps were non-inferior to free-flap reconstructions. Insufficient data were available to assess speech results between flap types. CONCLUSION: Pectoralis myocutaneous flaps should not be the preferred method of reconstruction for most patients, considering their significantly higher rate of fistulas. In contrast, pectoralis major myofascial flaps yield promising results compared to free-flap reconstructions, warranting further investigation.

Optimizing Flap Measurements for Tongue Reconstruction: Harnessing the Power of the Pythagorean Formula.

Head and neck reconstruction, particularly tongue reconstruction, remains a formidable challenge. However, crafting a three-dimensional structure from a basic flap necessitates precise dimensions to avoid excess or insufficiency. At the same time, the tongue also has to be accommodated inside the oral cavity to prevent protrusion or repeated injuries due to tooth bites. This study aims to showcase the practicality of employing Pythagoras's formula in both preoperative and intraoperative settings to the required flap dimensions for partial and hemiglossectomy tongue defects. Between 2020 and 2022, we have undertaken 53 tongue reconstructions to address defects resulting from partial or hemiglossectomies. Among these cases, 51 were managed with free radial artery flaps, while in two we utilized anterolateral thigh flaps for reconstruction. Our study excluded cases involving minor tongue defects amenable to primary closure. By treating the length of the tongue defect as the hypotenuse, Pythagoras's formula is applied to calculate the optimal length and width of a free microvascular flap. The tongue reconstruction is performed, and microvascular anastomosis is carried out in the neck. An addition was made for associated buccal mucosa defects, if any. All flaps survived without any complications like bleeding, wound dehiscence, and partial or complete flap necrosis. Tongue movement was adequate, with good swallowing and good speech. The application of Pythagoras's formula provides a dependable method for determining flap size pre- and intraoperatively in cases of partial or hemiglossectomy tongue defects, leading to favorable functional and aesthetic results.

Case report of substantial reconstruction of second ray segment by osteo-tendo-cutaneous pedicled radial forearm flap.

Introduction and importance: The hand is one of the most vital organ that the surgeon aims to preserve its function and natural appearance. Gunshot injuries are common, especially in a war zone, and unfortunately, they create complex wounds that are hard to reconstruct and infection is very common. In this article, we report rebuilding segment of index finger with a pedicled osteo-tendo-cutaneous radial forearm flap. Case presentation: A 50-year-old man-African with no past medical comorbidities, sustained trauma to his left index finger by high-velocity injury that led to composite tissue loss including metacarpal and proximal phalanx. After applying the initial irrigation and dressing to the wound, his hand was supported by a volar cast then he was referred to the hospital. The hand was examined at the operation room and the index finger was found to be hanged with a medial skin pedicle with necrotic and exposed bone and tendon. He underwent a session of debridement followed by reconstruction using a pedicled osteo-cutaneous radial forearm flap accompanied with metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Clinical discussion: A significant number of war-related hand injuries resulted in amputations because there were not enough facilities or doctors. While they are alternatives to free flap, abdominal and regional flaps won't yield the same outcomes. The second ray of the hand is reshaped using a radial flap, producing an acceptable result. Conclusion: The Radial forearm flap was used to reconstruct segment of index finger and fulfill our requirements, which include bone, tendon, and skin cover. Additionally, this is a simple and single stage procedure and micro-surgical equipment is not necessary.

A Useful Technique for Templating the Reverse Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) for Thumb Degloving Injuries.

Degloving injuries of the thumb pose a significant challenge as replantation is usually unsuccessful. A 60-year-old man was transferred to "Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Trust" four hours after having his left thumb completely avulsed at metacarpophalangeal level. The anastomosis repeatedly failed during urgent replantation and a distally based pedicled RFF was utilized. To achieve accurate flap design, we used the amputated part as a template for the missing tissue. After a longitudinal cut exposing the inner surface, the thumb was placed flat on top of a clean gauze package which was used as a paper template for the skin paddle; the flap was subsequently sutured without tension. Since the circumferential soft tissue envelope is three-dimensional, accurate designing of the flap on the forearm is vital. We propose a useful technique using the amputated part to enable a precise estimation of the tissue requirements to reduce potential complications related to flap inset.

Les lésions de dégantage du pouce posent un défi significatif dans la mesure où la réimplantation échoue habituellement. Un homme âgé de 60 ans a été transféré à « Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Trust ¼ quatre heures après l'arrachement complet de son pouce au niveau métacarpophalangien. L'anastomose a échoué de manière répétée au cours de la réimplantation en urgence et un RFF pédiculé à base distale a été utilisé. Pour obtenir une forme exacte du lambeau, nous avons utilisé la partie amputée comme modèle pour le tissu manquant. Après une incision longitudinale exposant la surface interne, le pouce a été mis à plat sur un paquet de compresses propres qui a servi de modèle papier pour la palette de peau; le lambeau a ensuite été suturé sans tension. Considérant que l'enveloppe de tissu souple circonférentielle est tridimensionnelle, une détermination précise du lambeau sur l'avant-bras est vitale. Nous proposons une technique utile consistant à utiliser la partie amputée pour avoir une estimation précise des besoins en tissu afin de réduire les complications potentielles liées à l'insertion du lambeau.

Distally based Chinese forearm flap in preventing impending necrosis from ring entrapment: Surgical case report.

INTRODUCTION: Ring entrapment is a medical condition that can lead to severe consequences, including nerve damage, ischemia, and impending necrosis. The condition often necessitates surgical intervention to prevent complications such as amputation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 49-year-old male with impending necrosis of the right little finger due to steel ring entrapment. The patient presented with severe edema, signs of infection, and undetected finger saturation on pulse oximetry. DISCUSSION: The Distally Based Chinese Forearm Flap (CFA) was used for soft tissue coverage, which has advantages like reliable vascularization and long pedicle rotation. The CFA flap has shown to be effective in restoring perfusion to the distal tissue and facilitating early wound closure. CONCLUSION: The use of CFA in this case resulted in a viable flap and good finger function, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing impending necrosis due to ring entrapment.

Hidroadenocarcinoma Mimicking Epidermal Inclusion Cyst of the Palm.

Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of sweat glands of the skin that has been reported several times in the hand. We report a case of hidradenocarcinoma of the palm in a 55-year-old woman that presented as a painless volar hand mass. A staged rotational forearm flap was used after resection.

The Submental Flap for Reconstruction of Tongue Defects- Surgical Outcome and Quality of Life Assessment.

Tongue defects following resection of cancers, have a major effect on speech and swallowing, impairing the quality of life. Free flaps such as the free radial artery forearm flap and anterolateral thigh flap have been ideal for the reconstruction of such defects depending upon the volume of tissue loss. Local flaps such as the submental flap and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap serve as an alternative in decreasing morbidity and improving functional outcomes. Surgical outcomes associated with submental flaps used in the reconstruction of tongue defects were evaluated in our study. This is a retrospective analysis of 545 patients, where the submental flap was used for the repair of tongue defects for cancer resections. Oncological safety was studied in 375 patients with a median follow-up of 48 months. 140 patients were studied for their functional outcomes using the parameters, adapted from the University of Washington- Quality of Life questionnaire. Complete flap loss was seen in 15(2.75%) patients while 22(4.03%) patients had partial loss of flap. Locoregional Recurrences, second primary, and distant metastases were noted in 91 of the 375 patients studied. The mean score for swallowing, speech, and taste were 72,71, and 69 respectively. The submental flap is an effective and reliable alternative for the reconstruction of tongue defects. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03858-3.

Free Vertical Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Tongue Reconstruction After Total Glossectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The tongue is an important anatomical structure, playing an significant role in natural speech, swallowing, and sense of taste. Immediate reconstruction using autologous tissue must be performed following glossectomy for tongue cancer to improve patient quality of life. This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of a surgical technique using the free vertical latissimus dorsi flap (FvLDF) for tongue reconstructions using autologous tissue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among patients who underwent total glossectomy for tongue cancer from November 2014 to February 2023, we selected 10 patients who underwent immediate tongue reconstruction with a radial free forearm flap (RFFF) or free anterolateral thigh flap and four patients who underwent FvLDF. The patients were compared regarding postoperative function (width of oropharyngeal space in computed tomography, language-speech evaluation), aesthetic results, and features. RESULTS: All four patients who underwent FvLDF showed successful flap survival, with no severe complications. Because vertical incision was made during flap harvest with primary closure possible with the mid-axillary line, donor morbidity was significantly lower in patients who underwent reconstruction with FvLDF than in those who underwent reconstruction with RFFF, and good aesthetic results were obtained. In comparing the oropharyngeal space of patients on neck CT preoperatively and postoperatively, the width increase rate of patients who underwent reconstruction with FvLDF was significantly smaller. FvLDF patients demonstrated good speech and swallowing functions. CONCLUSION: Considering the advantages of reconstruction with FvLDF in terms of features and aesthetic results, this surgical technique may be a reliable alternative technique for tongue defects after glossectomy.

A Novel Technique to Convert Static Sling into a Dynamic Sling in Reconstruction of Total Lower Lip Defects Using Palmaris Longus Tendon with Free Radial Forearm Flap and Case Series.

Lower lip reconstruction has been a major challenge for the reconstructive surgeons since time immemorial. Various types of reconstruction had been described for the reconstruction of lower lip ranging from local flaps to free tissue transfer to free functioning muscle transfer. For complete lower lip defects, the free radial forearm flap with palmaris longus tendon has been the standard of reconstruction for many years. Literatures suggests various techniques for utilizing palmaris longus tendon sling as a static as well as dynamic structure. The limitation with static reconstruction is the loss of sling support with time leading to eversion and drooping of the reconstructed lower lip and drooling of saliva. In this article we describe a simpler and novel technique which converts static reconstruction into a dynamic one with a series of 5 patients. Aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the post operative functional and aesthetic outcome of our technique of total lower lip reconstruction using free radial forearm flap with palmaris longus sling reconstruction. The medical records included were demographics, including age, gender, and reason for the acquired defect, lip reconstructed, reconstructive method, flap survival, and outcomes. At 6 months follow up, all patients had satisfactory outcome and were able to take oral diets and none of the patients complained of drooling, an inability to eat in a public setting, or microstomia. This technique which is a simpler modification can be helpful in converting the traditional static sling reconstruction of lower lip into a dynamic one resulting in good aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Orbital Exenteration and Reconstruction Using a Free Radial Forearm Flap in Conjunctival Melanoma: Old but Gold.

Conjunctival melanoma is a rare and potentially deadly tumor. Therefore, adequate oncological resection is essential, commonly leading to total orbital exenteration, which causes patients' extensive functional and cosmetic impairment. As a result, it is essential to reconstruct the orbital region post-exenteration to obliterate the cavity, provide adequate and pliable cutaneous covering, and restore a stable vascularized tissue that can withstand adjuvant radiotherapy. In recent years, the techniques used for orbital reconstruction have included the transorbital temporoparietal fascial flap, the anterolateral thigh flap, and local flaps, such as the paramedian forehead flap. A free radial forearm flap is currently not commonly used for orbital reconstruction due to potential donor site morbidity and cosmetic issues. In our case, we report a free radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap that has been utilized with promising surgical outcomes to reconstruct the orbital region following orbital exenteration.

[Phalloplasty by radial forearm free flap in the context of female-to-male gender reassignment surgery]. / Phallopoièse par lambeau antébrachial radial libre dans la chirurgie de réassignation sexuelle femme à homme.

AIMS: The aims of this article are to provide an overview of the technique of phalloplasty by radial forearm free flap in the context of female-to-male gender reassignment surgery, with a specific focus on surgical technical details and the prevention of postoperative complications. METHODS: In the light of our 30 years of experience in caring for female-to-male transgender individuals and conducting a critical review of the literature, we exhaustively present our technique of radial forearm free flap phalloplasty in female-to-male gender reassignment surgery. RESULTS: The technique of radial forearm free flap phalloplasty, utilizing a one-stage approach for neourethral and neophallus construction based on the "tube within a tube" principle, not only achieves an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the neophallus resembling a normal penis with tactile and erogenous sensitivities but also yields a functional neourethra and satisfactory penile rigidity using implants for standing voiding and sexual intercourse. This intricate surgical procedure demands not only meticulous execution of all surgical maneuvers but also high-level postoperative care. Despite refinements in technique over recent decades, aesthetic sequelae at the donor site of the flap remain subject to criticism, and postoperative complications, particularly of vascular and urological nature, remain significant. CONCLUSION: Future optimization of the surgical technique for this procedure will be imperative to minimize postoperative complications and establish a true technical "gold standard" for phalloplasty in female-to-male transgender individuals.

The superficial branch of the radial nerve and sensory disturbance in the radial forearm flap donor-site.

Introduction: Sensory disturbance due to injury of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) is a donor-site morbidity of the radial forearm (RF) flap. The relationship between the SBRN preservation method and the post-operative sensation at the flap donor-site was retrospectively investigated. Methods: We included 39 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with a free RF flap at Hyogo Cancer Center between April 2014 and March 2018. The patients were classified into the following three groups according to the SBRN preservation method: group 1, zero preservation, excision of the entire SBRN; group 2, main trunk preservation, excision of all branches except the main trunk of the SBRN; and group 3, complete preservation, preservation of the entire SBRN. Objective sensations and subjective symptoms at the flap donor-site were analyzed. Results: The mean objective sensory scores were 3.18, 2.97, and 1.78 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Differences between groups 1 and 3 and between groups 2 and 3 were significant (p = 0.0035 and p = 0.037, respectively). The mean subjective symptom scores were 2.40, 1.33, and 1.40 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Differences between groups 1 and 2, and between groups 1 and 3 were significant (p = 0.032 and p = 0.019, respectively). Conclusions: Zero preservation method had a higher risk of subjective symptoms and objective hypoesthesia development at the flap donor-site than the complete preservation method. Despite inevitable objective hypoesthesia, the main trunk preservation prevented the development of subjective symptoms. Complete preservation is optimal for RF flap harvest; however, in case of perforator crossing, main trunk preservation is another option.

The lateral forearm flap versus traditional upper extremity flaps: A comparison of donor site morbidity and flap thickness.

INTRODUCTION: The lateral forearm flap (LFF) is a thin fasciocutaneous flap with a donor site that can be closed primarily. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of donor site morbidity and hand function was performed in patients who underwent a radial forearm flap (RFF), ulnar artery perforator flap (UAPF), or LFF. Flap thickness was evaluated radiographically in 50 control patients. RESULTS: Of 134 patients (lateral forearm flap: n = 49, RFF: n = 47, UAPF: n = 38), the LFF demonstrated significantly faster return to baseline hand grip strength (3 months vs. 12 months in RFF and UAPF; p < 0.001), had significantly fewer donor site complications (6.1% compared to 6.4% in RFF and 28.9% in UAPF; p = 0.003) and fewer sensory deficits (2.0% compared to 6.4% in RFF and 15.8% in UAPF sites; p = 0.013). The radiographic study confirmed the LFF to be the thinnest of all upper extremity flap options. CONCLUSIONS: The LFF is an excellent forearm-based flap option with thin, pliable tissue and low donor site morbidity.

The Folded Radial Forearm Flap in Lip and Nose Reconstruction-Still a Unique Choice.

(1) Background: The radial forearm flap (RFF) has evolved as the flap of choice for intraoral mucosal reconstructions, providing thin and pliable skin with a safe blood supply. Perforator flaps such as the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap are increasingly being discussed for the same applications. (2) Methods: Patient history, treatment details, and outcome of 12 patents with moderate to extended defects of the lip and/or nose area that were reconstructed by a folded radial forearm flap were retrospectively evaluated for oncologic and functional outcomes. (3) Results: The mean oncologic and functional follow-up were 21.1 (min. 3.8; max. 83.3) and 31.2 (min. 6; max. 96) months, respectively. All flaps survived without revision. In eight cases, major lip defects were reconstructed by an RFF; in six patients, the palmaris longus tendon was included for lip suspension. The functional results in terms of eating, drinking, and mouth opening were good in five cases, while three patients were graded as fair due to moderate drooling. In seven cases, the major parts of the nose were reconstructed with two good and five fair (nostril constriction in three cases) functional results. (4) Conclusions: The folded RFF remains a unique free flap option for complex three-dimensional lip and nose reconstructions in terms of flexibility, versatility, and robustness.

Robot-assisted radial forearm free flap harvesting: a propensity score-matched case-control study.

Although some surgeons prefer anterolateral thigh and latissimus dorsi flap for soft tissue reconstruction in the head and neck area because it minimizes donor site complications, the radial forearm flap remains the workhorse for soft tissue reconstruction due to its reliability. To reduce donor site morbidity, the authors developed a novel technique for radial forearm flap harvesting using a robotic device. 42 radial forearm free flap reconstruction cases were studied, consisting of 31 conventional and 11 robot-assisted cases. 1:1 propensity score matching was done according to age, sex, previous and postoperative radiation therapy history and method used for vein anastomosis. There was no significant difference in flap outcome, which was 100% vitality in the robot-assisted group and 90.9% vitality in the conventional group. The robot-assisted group showed significantly longer mean harvesting time than did the conventional group, being 107.2 min and 67.0 min, respectively. Robot-assisted radial forearm flap harvesting can reduce donor site complications by minimizing incision. When more surgical experience is gained under appropriate case selection, we expect our robot-assisted method will yield a harvesting time similar to that of the conventional method and thus become more reliable and feasible.

[Analysis of the effect of free posterior lateral peroneal artery perforator flap of lower leg in repairing oropharyngeal cancer].

Objective:To analyze the clinical effect of free posterior lateral peroneal artery perforator flap of lower leg in repairing postoperative defect of oropharyngeal carcinoma. Methods:Thirty-six patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from June 2016 to June 2019 were analyzed and followed up, eighteen patients were treated with free posterior lateral peroneal artery perforator flap of the lower leg to repair the postoperative defects（experimental group）, and eighteen patients were treated with free forearm flap（control group）. The survival rate of the transplanted flap, the wound stageⅠhealing rate and average hospitalization time were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the 1-year and 3-year survival rates of patients after operation, and log-rank test was used to compare the difference between the survival curves of the two groups; The recovery of swallowing and palatopharyngeal closure function of patients in the two groups at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after operation was calculated and statistically analyzed through the water swallow test and the air blowing method. Results:There was one case of skin flap necrosis in both the experimental group and the control group, and the survival rate was 94.4%. The wound stageⅠhealing rate in the surgical area was 94.4% in both groups. The wound healing rates of the donor area in the experimental group and the control group were 100.0% and 94.4% respectively. The average hospitalization time of the experimental group and the control group was 16.9 days and 17.2 days, respectively, with no significant difference （P>0.05）. The overall survival rates of all patients at 1-year and 3-year were 91.2% and 66.5% respectively; The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of the experimental group and the control group were 94.1%, 69.3% and 88.2%, 63.7%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups （P>0.05）. The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of P16+ and P16 - patients were 100.0%, 80.0% and 85.7%, 64.3%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups （P>0.05）. There was no significant difference in the evaluation of swallowing and velopharyngeal closure function between the two groups at 3 and 6 months after operation （P>0.05）, but there was a significant difference at 12 and 18 months after operation （P<0.05）. Conclusion:The anatomic position of the perforating vessels of the free posterior lateral peroneal artery perforator flap of the lower leg is constant, and it can be prepared into single leaf, multi leaf, chimeric and other flaps according to the tissue defect space. And the concealed supply area can be directly drawn to suture. At the same time, the skin flap has strong plasticity. Therefore, the skin flap can be used as a common skin flap to repair the defects after the operation of oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Versatility of the Posterior Interosseous Artery Flap: Emphasis on Powering Up the Toe Transfer.

BACKGROUND: Reverse-flow posterior interosseous artery (rPIA) flap is an excellent tool for restoration of defects in the hand and upper extremity, sparing the main arteries to the hand. Its reliability has been well established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one cases of rPIA flap involving 49 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were age, sex, etiology, size and location of the defect, flap size, number of perforators included, pedicle length, flap inset, donor site coverage, complications, and ancillary procedures. RESULTS: This study included 44 men and 5 women, ranging in age between 10 and 73 years. The subjects had soft tissue defects of the hand and upper extremity mainly due to traumatic injuries, including scar contractures of the first web space in 18 cases, thumb amputations in 6 cases, and congenital defects in 1 case. Among the 51 rPIA flap elevations, 3 cases involved flap failure due to the absence of proper pedicle. A fasciocutaneous pattern was observed in 45 cases and a myocutaneous pattern in 3 cases. In 5 cases of unplantable thumb amputations, the rPIA flap was performed for arterial inflow to the secondary toe-to-thumb transfer. Venous congestion of varying degrees was noted in 7 cases involving partial necrosis in 2 cases. During the mean 17 months of follow-up, patients were generally satisfied with the final outcomes. CONCLUSION: The rPIA flap can be used not only for soft tissue coverage of the hand and upper extremity but also as a recipient arterial pedicle for a secondary toe-to thumb transfer.

Spiral Wrap-Around Technique in the Reverse Radial Artery Fasciocutaneous Forearm Flap for Thumb Reconstruction: A Report of An Innovative Technique.

For amputation of the thumb in any age group, microsurgical replantation is the gold standard over other osteoplastic thumb reconstruction methods as it restores the form, function, and cosmesis of the thumb better. In the osteoplastic reconstruction of the thumb, usually, a pedicled groin flap or a reverse radial artery forearm flap is used to provide the soft tissue cover, and each of these flaps has its own set of merits and demerits. The reverse radial artery forearm flap can be used as a fascial or fasciocutaneous flap in an islanded or peninsular form. Using it as a fasciocutaneous forearm flap creates a donor site secondary defect that needs skin grafting, leading to an unsightly permanent cosmetic deformity in the forearm. We report a case of a 25-year-old male patient who underwent post-traumatic near-total thumb amputation following a crush avulsion injury in whom revascularization failed, and we successfully performed osteoplastic thumb reconstruction using the same phalanges as skeletal support and the reverse radial forearm flap as soft tissue cover. We devised a novel but simple spiral wrap-around technique in the reverse pedicled fasciocutaneous flap by rearranging the dimensions, changing the length-to-width ratio to 5:1, and then wrapping this strip of flap spiraling around the bony skeleton with primary closure of the donor site.

Pedicled Radial Forearm Flap in Reconstruction of Complex Defects in the Craniofacial Region.

The radial forearm flap is a fasciocutaneous flap that has been used for reconstructing defects in the craniofacial region, either as a free flap or a pedicled flap. The pedicled radial forearm flap is a reliable option for reconstructing scalp defects. Microvascular free tissue transfer has, however, remained the preferred choice in the reconstruction of most complex scalp defects in the craniofacial region. We present the cases of a 37-year-old woman with an ulcerated malignant lesion on the forehead and a 40-year-old woman with a large malignant tumor on the scalp. Excision of both lesions, which turned out to be squamous cell carcinomas, resulted in complex defects that were reconstructed with pedicled radial forearm flaps. Both patients had satisfactory results and were counseled for radiotherapy.

Comparison between free posterior tibial flap and free radial forearm flap for head and neck reconstruction: an anatomical study and a retrospective comparative cohort study.

Background: Both free posterior tibial flap (FPTF) and free radial forearm flap (FRFF) are commonly used for head and neck defects. They have many similarities in embryology, histology, and anatomy, but their advantages and disadvantages in head and neck repair have not been fully recognized. This study aimed to compare the cadaveric anatomy and clinical application of FPTF and FRFF for the reconstruction of head and neck defects after tumor resection. Methods: Anatomical dissection was performed on 10 fresh adult cadavers. The general characteristics of both flaps and the sites of recipients and donors were collected. A total of 31 and 25 patients underwent FPTF and FRFF construction, respectively. The patient medical records were assessed to obtain the clinical characteristics. Characteristics of the flap such as size, pedicle length, and clinical process data were collected and compared. The appearance, sensory disturbance, and effect on quality of life and daily activity were evaluated. Results: The posterior tibial artery was present and observed in all patients. The posterior vascular pedicle was longer than the radial artery. There was no difference between the diameters of arteries of FPTF and FRFF; however, the diameters of their veins differed. In terms of flap characteristics, FPTF was significantly larger and had a longer vascular pedicle than FRFF (40.68±11.07 vs. 53.77±29.02 cm2, P=0.03; 8.48±1.66 vs. 11.10±2.39 cm, P=0.00). Patients in the FPTF group had a significantly shorter total hospital stay (FRFF: 26.48±8.33 d; FPTF: 18.58±6.68 d), postoperative hospital stay (FRFF: 17.60±5.53 d; FPTF: 10.94±3.62 d), and flap harvest time (FRFF: 87.00±20.92 min; FPTF: 65.00±17.56 min) than FRFF group. There were far more complications of the donor site in the FRFF group than in the FPTF group. Also, according to the patients' subjective evaluations of the donor site, FPTF was superior to FRFF (P=0.00). Conclusions: FPTF is a reliable alternative to FRFF for head and neck reconstruction. These techniques share similar certain embryogenesis and anatomical characteristics but FPTF possesses unique aesthetic and clinical application advantages.