Morphologic changes in forearm flaps of the oral cavity

Purpose: This study was undertaken to investigate the morphologic changes i n the forearm flap in the oral environment. Patients and Methods: Histologic evaluation of biopsy specimens from 20 for earm naps was done 1 to 75 months after intraoral reconstruction after trea tment of cancer. Hematoxylin and eosin and Azan were used to stain the depa raffinized sections. Results: The clinical features of the grafted flap seemed to depend on the time since the operation. The cornified layer of the epidermis of the naps showed thinning histologically. Conclusion: After 11 months of exposure to an intraoral environment, "mucos alization" of the forearm flap is evident. (C) 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.