RSS-Feed abonnieren
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35097
A New Flap Design for Monitoring the Circulation of a Buried Free Radial Forearm Flap in Pharyngoesophageal Reconstruction
Publikationsverlauf
Publikationsdatum:
29. Oktober 2002 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/jrm/200207/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-2002-35097-1.jpg)
ABSTRACT
The viability of a free radial forearm flap which is used in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction is difficult to monitor because it is hidden by skin. As the most reliable method for monitoring, exteriorization of a small island flap has been reported. The authors used a skin paddle which is placed ulnar to the radial forearm reconstruction flap at the ulnar side of the distal part of the forearm as a monitor flap in one patient. Flap viability was assessed by observing tissue color, turgor, capillary refill, and bleeding of the monitor flap. This monitor flap is easy to elevate. The perfusion of the flap is good because it has a wide pedicle. It permits a long vascular pedicle for the radial forearm reconstruction flap and does not reduce available forearm skin for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction.
KEYWORDS
Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction - radial forearm flap - monitor flap.
REFERENCES
- 1 Urken M L, Weinberg H, Vickery C. Free flap design in head and neck reconstruction to achieve an external segment for monitoring. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg . 1989; 115 1447
- 2 Byun J S, Baik B S, Park J S. An effective pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free radial forearm flaps. Eur J Plast Surg . 1992; 15 173
- 3 Furuta S, Hataya Y, Ishigaki Y, Watanabe T. Monitoring the free radial forearm flap in pharyngo-oesophageal reconstruction. Br J Plast Surg . 1997; 50 40
- 4 Iwasawa M, Furuta S, Hayasi M. Use of a monitor muscle flap in buried free forearm flap transfer. Ann Plast Surg . 1996; 37 364
- 5 Cho B C, Kim M, Lee J H. Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with a tubed free radial forearm flap. J Reconstr Microsurg . 1998; 14 535
- 6 Mühlbauer W, Herndl E, Stock W. The forearm flap. Plast Reconstr Surg . 1982; 70 336
- 7 Hentz V R, Pearl R M, Grossman J AI. The radial forearm flap: a versatile source of composite tissue. Ann Plast Surg . 1987; 19 485
- 8 Jeng S F, Wei F C. The distally based forearm island flap in hand reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg . 1998; 102 400
- 9 Anthony J P, Singer M I, Mathes S J. Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction using the tubed free radial forearm flap. Clin Plast Surg . 1994; 21 137
- 10 Su C Y, Chiang Y C. The fabricated radial forearm flap in pharyngolaryngeal surgery: saliva leakage and its prevention. Br J Plast Surg . 1995; 48 212