Versatility and outcomes of lateral arm free flap in head and neck reconstruction: a retrospective case series study of our experiences and innovations

• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2023.101334
• Publication Date: 2023-09-19T17:24:58Z
• Authors: Mailudan Ainiwaer; Lixiao Fan; Zheng Jiang; Chenyili Xiong; Fei Chen; Deying Gu; Jun Liu
• Keywords: Male; Adult; reconstruction; LAFF; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Middle Aged; Free Tissue Flaps; Head and neck; Free flap; Treatment Outcome; Otorhinolaryngology; RF1-547; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Head and neck reconstruction; Quality of Life; Arm; Humans; Original Article; Female; MDASI; Psychosocial; Retrospective Studies; Aged

The Lateral Arm Free Flap (LAFF) offers advantageous features like variable thickness and minimal hair growth. LAFF is primarily used in orofacial pharyngeal reconstructions, with limited reports on tracheal/esophageal applications. Also, the psychological prognosis quality of life patients reconstruction are lacking. This retrospective case series presents outcomes for head neck surgical defects which included 19 patients. disease type, location reconstruction, TNM staging, tumor size, chemoradiation status, anxiety, depression, detailed perioperative information surgery were presented a descriptive pattern. Subgroup analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U Pearson r test. All (100%) had viable flap after 5 (26.3%) them developed flap-related complication. Patients oropharyngeal more likely to have lower anxiety depression score higher than those below-oropharyngeal reconstruction. However, no significant p-value generated any subgroup comparison or correlation And application esophageal tracheal proved be successful. lateral arm free exhibits remarkable versatility multifunctionality, providing Level 4 according OCEBM.