What does this research mean for the field?

The reverse flow free radial forearm flap is a reliable technique for head and neck reconstruction that enables the harvest of larger flap dimensions with fewer donor site complications than the conventional radial forearm free flap. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the safety, viability, and clinical utility of using a proximal islanded reverse flow free radial forearm flap (RF-RAFF) for head and neck oncologic reconstruction.

August 29, 2026Indian Journal of Plastic SurgeryOpen Access

The Use of Reverse Flow Free Radial Forearm Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction

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Authors

GBGautam BiswasVanderbilt University KPKarnav Bharat PanchalTata Medical Center

Discussion

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Implication

Retrospective observational study demonstrates complete flap survival in head and neck cancer patients, indicating reverse flow radial forearm flaps provide reliable reconstruction.

Key Points

To evaluate the safety, viability, and clinical utility of using a proximal islanded reverse flow free radial forearm flap (RF-RAFF) for head and neck oncologic reconstruction.
Retrospective observational study conducted between September 2015 and September 2021.
Included 23 patients with head and neck malignancy undergoing reconstructive surgery.
Surgically harvested proximal islanded free RF-RAFF relying on retrograde venous flow, with split-thickness skin grafting over the muscular donor bed.
All 23 flaps survived completely, yielding a 100% flap survival rate.
One patient underwent negative reexploration for suspected venous congestion.
One patient developed a donor-site hematoma managed conservatively, with zero cases of graft loss or exposed tendons.

Cite This Study

Biswas et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9299bb8e5d7d1fc0c11d9e https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0046-1822815

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August 29, 2026Indian Journal of Plastic SurgeryOpen Access

The Use of Reverse Flow Free Radial Forearm Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

GBGautam BiswasVanderbilt University KPKarnav Bharat PanchalTata Medical Center

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Retrospective observational study demonstrates complete flap survival in head and neck cancer patients, indicating reverse flow radial forearm flaps provide reliable reconstruction.

Key Points

To evaluate the safety, viability, and clinical utility of using a proximal islanded reverse flow free radial forearm flap (RF-RAFF) for head and neck oncologic reconstruction.
Retrospective observational study conducted between September 2015 and September 2021.
Included 23 patients with head and neck malignancy undergoing reconstructive surgery.
Surgically harvested proximal islanded free RF-RAFF relying on retrograde venous flow, with split-thickness skin grafting over the muscular donor bed.
All 23 flaps survived completely, yielding a 100% flap survival rate.
One patient underwent negative reexploration for suspected venous congestion.
One patient developed a donor-site hematoma managed conservatively, with zero cases of graft loss or exposed tendons.

Cite This Study

Biswas et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9299bb8e5d7d1fc0c11d9e https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0046-1822815

Also Consider

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