Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  2015 Nov;37(11):45. 10.1186/s40902-015-0046-9.

Double-layered collagen graft to the radial forearm free flap donor sites without skin graft

• Park TJ
• Kim HJ
• Ahn KM

• KMID: 2381871
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1186/s40902-015-0046-9

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Radial forearm free flap is the most reliable flap for intraoral soft tissue reconstruction after cancer ablation surgery. However, unesthetic scar of the donor site and the need for a second donor site for skin graft are major disadvantages of the forearm flap. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical results of double-layered collagen graft to the donor site of the forearm free flap without skin graft.
METHODS
Twenty-two consecutive patients who underwent oral cancer ablation and forearm reconstruction between April 2010 and November 2013 were included in this study. Male to female ratio was 12:10, and average age was 61.0 years old (27-84). Double-layered collagen was grafted to the donor site of the forearm free flap and healed for secondary intention. Upper silicone had been trimmed at the periphery during secondary intention, and dry dressing was used. Postoperative scar healing and esthetic results and function were evaluated.
RESULTS
An average follow-up period was 34.9 months. The scar area was decreased to 63.9 % in average. The complete healing was obtained between 1.5 and 3 months according to the defect size. There was no functional defect or impairment 3 months after operation. All patients were satisfied with the esthetic results. Three patients died of recurred cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
Double-layered collagen graft was successfully performed in this study. Without the thigh skin graft, patients had experienced less painful postoperative healing periods and discomfort.

MeSH Terms

Bandages
Cicatrix
Collagen*
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Forearm*
Free Tissue Flaps*
Humans
Intention
Male
Mouth Neoplasms
Silicon
Silicones
Skin*
Thigh
Tissue Donors*
Transplants*
Collagen
Silicon
Silicones