[The free forearm flap in covering defects of the pharynx and oral cavity].

The radial forearm flap is a versatile method for reconstruction of the pharynx and the oral cavity after tumour resection. We prefer the distal volar forearm since the flap is thin, with little subcutaneous fat. The vascular pedicle is rather long. Twenty patients with carcinoma of the oropharynx and the oral cavity have been operated on. Thirteen patients had carcinomas of the oropharynx, 7 of the oral cavity. In all cases the distal flap was used. The size varied from 3 x 5 cm to 10 x 7 cm. Twelve patients underwent radiotherapy which did not do any damage to the flap. Fifteen patients had a good functional result. Two patients suffered recurrences after a few months. One patient died from respiratory problems. One flap underwent a partial necrosis due to venous congestion. The donor defect was closed with split skin from the thigh.