[Use of the free forearm flaps in cervicofacial surgery. Apropos of 5 cases and review of the literature].

The free fasciocutaneous forearm flap has been described only recently. Five cases of pharyngeal or oral repair with a forearm flap (FAF) are reported and used as a basis to discuss anatomical features and the technique used for removal of the flap. The relevant literature is reviewed. The FAF appears to be the flap of choice for reparative surgery of pharynx or mouth regions in oncology, the principal advantages of this flap being: fineness, flexibility and plasticity of the skin, reliability and lack of morbidity, and function effectiveness with respect to phonation and feeding. Indications for forearm and myocutaneous flaps in oncology of upper respiratory and digestive tracts are assessed critically, other indications for the forearm flap being cutaneous repair of cervicofacial lesions due to tumor or injury. The forearm flap is of pronounced value for cervicofacial repair surgery and constitutes a new step in the plastic conception of these repair procedures.