Full-thickness skin graft from the groin for coverage of the radial forearm free flap donor site

Kim, Theresa B.; Moe, Kris S.; Eisele, David W.; Orloff, Lisa A.; Wang, Steven J.

doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2006.10.009

« Previous Next »American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume 28, Issue 5 , Pages 325-329, September 2007

Full-thickness skin graft from the groin for coverage of the radial forearm free flap donor site☆

This work was presented at the Western Section meeting of the Triological Society in Coronado, Calif, USA, from February 2 to 5, 2006. It was also presented at the Bay Area Resident Research Symposium in Berkeley, Calif, USA, on June 2, 2006.

Theresa B. Kim, MD
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Francisco, California, USA
Kris S. Moe, MD
- University of Washington, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seattle, Washington, USA
David W. Eisele, MD
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Francisco, California, USA
Lisa A. Orloff, MD
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Francisco, California, USA
Steven J. Wang, MD
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Francisco, California, USA
- Corresponding author. University of California - San Francisco, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, San Francisco VAMC Box 112B, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. Tel.: +1 415 221 4810x4646.

Received 28 July 2006

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the use of a full-thickness skin graft from the groin for coverage of the radial forearm free flap donor site. Our hypothesis is that the use of the full-thickness skin graft decreases morbidity and improves functional and cosmetic outcome at the skin graft donor site while also providing excellent coverage of the forearm donor site.

Study design

This study used a retrospective chart review design.

Materials and methods

Patients undergoing radial forearm free flap reconstructions from 1995 to 2005 were included. Forty patients underwent radial forearm free flap reconstruction with closure of the forearm donor site with a full-thickness skin graft harvested from the groin. The inguinal donor site was closed primarily. Medical records including clinic notes, operative reports, and photographs were reviewed.

Results

There was 1 minor wound dehiscence at the groin site, and there were 5 minor forearm wound dehiscences with 2 cases of tendon exposure; all dehiscences were treated conservatively with local wound care. Both the groin wound and forearm donor sites healed satisfactorily in all cases, with no impairment of function related to the skin graft. All patients expressed satisfaction with the postoperative pain, functional outcome, and cosmetic appearance related to both the skin graft and forearm donor sites.

Conclusions

Full-thickness skin graft from the groin for coverage of the radial forearm free flap donor site is an effective, safe alternative to the traditional split thickness skin graft.