Publication:

Evaluation of early surgical and functional outcomes of anterolateral thigh free flap and radial forearm free flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of oral cavity

Background Anterolateral thigh free flap (ALTFF) and radial forearm free flap (RFFF) are preferred for oral cavity reconstruction due to reliability, high success, and low donor-site morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early surgical and functional outcomes of ALTFF and RFFF in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the oral cavity.

Methods This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of plastic surgery, NIBPS, Dhaka, from July 2020 to December 2021. A total of 20 patients who required free flap reconstruction following surgical resection of oral cavity lesions, with or without adjacent soft tissue or bone involvement, were included.

Results The mean patient age was 54.8±8.48 years, with a female predominance (60%). All defects were in the cheek, most commonly involving the angle of the mouth (60%). ALTFF was used in 55% and RFFF in 45% of cases. Flap survival was 90.9% for ALTFF and 77.7% for RFFF. Functional outcomes were satisfactory. ALTFF donor sites were closed primarily, while RFFF donor sites required STSG, with 33.3% showing minor graft loss. Donor site morbidity was higher in RFFF cases.

Conclusions Both ALTFF and RFFF are reliable for reconstruction of oral cavity soft tissue defects, providing high flap survival and acceptable functional results.