Oral and pharyngeal reconstruction using the free forearm flap.

Recent progress in myocutaneous and free flaps has facilitated the primary closure of various complex defects resulting from ablative surgery of head and neck cancers. The musculocutaneous flap (such as the pectoralis major flap or the latissimus dorsi flap) has in particular proved its greater versatility. The forearm free flap for intraoral defects can provide thin and pliable skin and has great potential in the reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects. Between November 1982 and August 1985, we achieved 74 free forearm flap transfers for patients with head and neck cancers. Herein we present several clinical applications of the free forearm flap and discuss its advantages and disadvantages, especially hand morbidity after flap elevation.