Pauline Potet1, Guillaune De Bonnecaze1, Emilien Chabrillac1, Agnès Dupret-Bories2, Sébastien Vergez1,2, Benoit Chaput3. 1. Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Toulouse University Hospital, Hôpital Larrey, Toulouse, France. 2. Department of surgery, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse, Toulouse, France. 3. Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Toulouse University Hospital, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate the feasibility of radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor site closure by keystone flap (KF) and compare its outcomes to those of skin graft (SG) closure. METHODS: One hundred and one patients who underwent RFFF for head and neck reconstruction were included (35 KF closure and 65 SG closure). Duration of wound healing and donor site complications was collected. After a minimal follow-up of 1 year, patients were questioned about functional and esthetic impairment. RESULTS: Coverage of donor site by KF was successful in all cases. The duration of wound healing was longer after SG than after KF (32 days vs 18 days, P < .001). Healing complications, esthetic and functional results were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: Forearm donor site closure by KF is a feasible alternative to the traditional SG. Its main advantages are the reduced wound healing time and the avoidance of a second donor site.
BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate the feasibility of radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor site closure by keystone flap (KF) and compare its outcomes to those of skin graft (SG) closure. METHODS: One hundred and one patients who underwent RFFF for head and neck reconstruction were included (35 KF closure and 65 SG closure). Duration of wound healing and donor site complications was collected. After a minimal follow-up of 1 year, patients were questioned about functional and esthetic impairment. RESULTS: Coverage of donor site by KF was successful in all cases. The duration of wound healing was longer after SG than after KF (32 days vs 18 days, P < .001). Healing complications, esthetic and functional results were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: Forearm donor site closure by KF is a feasible alternative to the traditional SG. Its main advantages are the reduced wound healing time and the avoidance of a second donor site.