The Radial Artery’s Sacrifice in the Chinese Flap Is Not Deleterious to Patients

Abstract

Background: A widely discussed subject, albeit with few associated studies and publications, centers on whether sacrifice of the radial artery to perform the radial forearm flap (RFF) is deleterious to the patient. The objective of this study was to assess, by questionnaire, the complications reported at the donor site, particularly those related to sacrifice of the radial artery. Methods: During the 2014 Symposium of the Brazilian Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, surgeons were asked to answer a questionnaire on RFF cases and complications. Results: Results were collected from hand and plastic surgeons. Regarding the opinion of respondents on the deleteriousness of sacrificing the radial artery, most answered negatively, that is, no deleterious effects reported. No statistically significant difference was found between the level of experience and opinion on whether sacrificing the radial artery was deleterious. Conclusions: Beyond performing some procedures and following evolution within a specific service, it was decided to broaden the range of opinions and enlarge the casuistic by assessing the opinions of many specialists from the fields of hand surgery and plastic surgery. Data collected using the questionnaire were compared to determine the sequelae at the donor site and particularly whether sacrifice of the radial artery in RFF was deleterious to the patient. Although complaints at the donor site were frequently cited, no objective reports on morbidity following the sacrifice of the radial artery in RFF were provided.