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Closure of radial forearm free flap donor site: A comparative study between keystone flap and skin graft
Author(s) -
Potet Pauline,
De Bonnecaze Guillaune,
Chabrillac Emilien,
DupretBories Agnès,
Vergez Sébastien,
Chaput Benoit
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.25977
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , forearm , head and neck , wound closure , closure (psychology) , wound healing , economics , market economy
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.