Closure of the Donor Site of the Free Radial Forearm Flap

In Brief Introduction: Donor-site complications of free radial forearm flaps (FRFF) after closure with a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) have been reported repeatedly. Different types of closure of the donor site have been advocated to reduce donor-site complications. In our practice, a V-Y closure with a local full-thickness skin graft (FTG) is performed generally. Purpose: A retrospective follow-up study was performed comparing subjective and objective outcomes of FTG versus STSG closure. FRFF donor site closure in 34 head and neck cancer patients (15 STSG, 19 FTG) was studied. Results: Both methods of closure showed good function, sensibility, and esthetic outcome. No statistical differences between the 2 methods could be shown. Conclusion: V-Y local donor site closure is a good technique which prevents an additional donor site scar and discomfort when performing an STSG closure. A retrospective follow-up study of 34 patients undergoing free radial forearm flap reconstruction of head and neck defects demonstrated no difference in function, sensibility, or esthetics between donor sites closed with V-Y and FTSG compared with STSG.