Donor site morbidity of the prelaminated fasciomucosal and fasciocutaneousradial forearm flap: a comparative study

In order to reconstruct intraoral lining defects after radical tumor resect ion, mucosal prelamination of the fascia of the distal radial forearm flap was performed in ten patients. By this method a physiologic reconstruction with mucus-producing tissue could be achieved. Preservation of skin and sub cutaneous tissue enabled primary closure of the donor site. The exposed med ian nerve and flexor tendons could be covered by well-vascularized tissue w ith, hopefully, less donor site morbidity. To investigate this, eight prela mination patients were compared to five patients in whom conventional fasci ocutaneous distal radial forearm flaps were harvested. Follow-up was 6-25 m onths (mean 12.8 months). All patients with prelaminated forearm flaps reve aled excellent functional and cosmetic results. Restricted hand function an d a poor cosmetic result were found in 40% of the fasciocutaneous flap pati ents. Subjective cold intolerance could be objectified using thermography, but could not be confirmed, using rheography and photoplethysmography.