Outcome after radial forearm, gastro-omental, and jejunal free flaps in oral and oropharyngeal reconstruction

We undertook a retrospective study of the outcome of radial forearm, gastro-omental, and jejunal free tissue transfer for oral and oropharyngeal reconstruction in 30 patients (10 in each group). No significant differences were found between the type of free flap and the clinical outcome. More long-term difficulties were experienced with swallowing than with speech. The selection of free flap did not correlate with speech function (P=0.44), swallowing (P=0.68), or management of saliva (P=0.59). No significant difference was found between the patients’ outcome and the site of resection of the tumour. There were more complications after gastro-omental flaps and this may influence the choice of reconstruction.