Advanced atherosclerosis of the vascular pedicle of radial forearm free flap in head and neck diabetic patient

Abstract

This study reports a case of severe atherosclerosis of the radial artery encountered during raising of a radial forearm free flap in a 56-year-old head and neck diabetic patient which precluded the use of the flap. This is a condition which most reconstructive surgeons are not aware of.

Key Words::

• Radial forearm free flap
• radial artery atherosclerosis
• head neck
• diabetes

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.