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ISSN 2992-8559 (Electronic)
ISSN 1405-0625 (Print)

2025, Number 3

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Cir Plast 2025; 35 (3)

Radial forearm free flap in head and neck reconstruction. Experience at a national academic referral center in Mexico

Lugo-Beltrán I, Rojas-Gutiérrez CD, Carvallo-Maiocco P, Zúñiga-Garza E, Guitian-González M, Haro-Cruz JS, Herrán-Motta FS, Fernández-Díaz OF

Language: Spanish
References: 25
Page: 118-125
PDF size: 1107.32 Kb.


ABSTRACT

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has proven to be a versatile surgical option for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. Its composition makes it a useful flap for each of the reconstructive challenges that may arise in the region. The objective of this work is to describe the clinical outcomes of the use of the RFFF for the reconstruction of head and neck defects at a national referral center. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out including patients from the National Medical Center "20 de Noviembre" who underwent reconstruction for head and neck defects with RFFF in the period from January 2010 to January 2023. Clinical outcomes of these patients were collected and reported as descriptive statistics. A total of 12 patients were included, with 13 RFFF whose indication in all cases was secondary to tumor resection. The mean age was 50.84 years. In seven patients (58.33%) it was performed as immediate reconstruction and in five (41.66%) as delayed reconstruction. The success rate was 92.3%. The reintervention rate was 53.84% during follow-up, venous congestion being the most frequent cause of reintervention. We concluded that, despite the different reconstructive options for head and neck defects, the RFFF continues to be a current, versatile, and safe option. There is limited literature in Mexico regarding microsurgical reconstruction in referral centers; therefore, this work provides a valuable perspective based on the ISSSTE patient population.


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