We report our experience with a patient who developed an ulcer within a free flap 2 months following resection of an oral squamous cell carcinoma. We discuss this clinical problem and the issues it raised, with particular attention to early tumor recurrence and the restoration of sensation in free-flap reconstructions.
References
1.
StellP.M.Time to recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Head Neck1991; 13: 277–81.
2.
HallS.F., GroomeP.A., RothwellD.Time to first relapse as an outcome and a predictor of survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Laryngoscope2000; 110: 2041–6.
3.
Effective head and neck cancer management.Second consensus document.British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists–Head and Neck Surgeons.2000: 34.
4.
SoutarD.S., SchekerL.R., TannerN.S., McGregorI.A.The radial forearm flap: A versatile method for intra-oral reconstruction. Br J Plastic Surg1983; 36: 1–8.
5.
UrkenM.L.The restoration or preservation of sensation in the oral cavity following ablative surgery. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1995; 121: 607–12.
6.
KimataY., UchiyamaK., EbiharaS.Comparison of innervated and noninnervated free flaps in oral reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg1999; 104: 1307–13.
7.
VriensJ.P., AcostaR., SoutarD.S., WebsterM.H.Recovery of sensation in the radial forearm free flap in oral reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg1996; 98: 649–56.
8.
ShindoM.L., SinhaU.K., RiceD.H.Sensory recovery in noninnervated free flaps for head and neck reconstruction. Laryngoscope1995; 105: 1290–3.
9.
NetscherD., ArmentaA., MeadeR.A., AlfordE.L.Sensory recovery of innervated and noninnervated radial forearm free flaps: Functional implications. J Reconstr Microsurg2000; 16: 179–85.
10.
LvoffG., O'BrienC.J., CopeC., LeeK.K.Sensory recovery in noninnervated radial forearm free flaps in oral and oropharyngeal reconstruction. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1998; 124: 1206–8.
11.
CloseL.G., TruelsonJ.M., MilledgeR.A., SchweitzerC.Sensory recovery in noninnervated flaps used for oral cavity and oropharyngeal reconstruction. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1995; 121: 967–72.
