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Radial nerve morbidity in radial artery free flaps: Harvest of cephalic vein versus venae comitantes
Author(s) -
Grinsell Damien,
Theile David
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2005.03419.x
Subject(s) - medicine , radial artery , cephalic vein , radial nerve , vein , surgery , free flap , anatomy , artery , anesthesia
Background: The purpose of the present paper was to determine the radial nerve morbidity associated with harvest of different venous conduits in the radial artery free flap. Methods: Retrospective study comparing subjective and objective symptoms of radial nerve morbidity in 51 consecutive free flaps over a 3‐year period. Results: Damage to the radial nerve occurred in 9% (1/11) of patients in the cephalic vein group versus 18% (4/28) in the venae comitante group. Conclusions: Raising the cephalic vein for venous drainage in the radial artery free flap doubles the incidence of radial nerve morbidity.