[Application of the free vascularized lateral upper arm flap in intraoral reconstruction following ablative tumour surgery].
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of the lateral arm free flap (LAFF) in the reconstruction for intraoral defects. METHODS: Intraoral reconstruction was performed using the LAFF for 10 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (n = 3), cheek (n = 4), gingiva (n = 1) and oropharynx (n = 2). There were 8 men and 2 women (mean age, 52 years). RESULTS: Nine LAFF healed uneventfully. One flap was lost on the second postoperative day due to venous insufficiency. The donor defect was closed primarily In all patients. There were no significant complications at the donor site. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the thin and pliable nature, the lateral upper arm flap can be recommended as a choice for repair of moderate-sized defects of the oral maxillofacial area.