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Radial Forearm Donor Site Closure

Oral Cancer | Donor Site Complication | Oral Cavity Cancer

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is widely used in head and neck reconstruction. Its thinness, pliability, pedicle length, and vessel size are particularly suited for oropharyngeal and oral cavity reconstruction. Concerns about aesthetic and functional morbidity at the donor site have given rise to various techniques of closing the donor site, two of which are the split-thickness skin graft (STSG), taken from the thigh, and the hatchet flap, which uses a local flap within the radial forearm. This RCT will determine whether retrospectively reported improvements to aesthetic and functional outcomes for STSG patients are greater compared to hatchet flap patients.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 or older
* Oral cavity disease (malignant or benign) requiring radial forearm free flap reconstruction

Exclusion Criteria:

* Serious medical comorbidities including metastatic disease or other contraindications to surgery
* Any pre-existing condition affecting the use of both hands, including previous major scars
* Unable or unwilling to complete post-operative questionnaires in English
* Pregnant or lactating women

Study Location

Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Diane Pan

[email protected]
(604) 875-4111
Study Sponsored By
University of British Columbia
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT05740033