Management
In a retrospective review of 405 free radial forearm flap transfers, employing dual drainage via the cutaneous vein, radial vena comitans, connecting cubital perforating vein, and neck recipient veins of the internal and external jugular systems prevented any instances of venous failure [PMID:14515227].
Complications
Despite the reliability of free radial forearm flaps, postoperative venous thrombosis remains a potential complication; however, the described fail-safe drainage method ensured no venous failures in the study cohort [PMID:14515227].
Prognosis & Follow-up
The self-sustaining drainage system described contributes to a favorable prognosis by effectively protecting against venous catastrophe, ensuring flap survival across all operations reviewed [PMID:14515227].
References
1 Ichinose A, Tahara S, Yokoo S, Omori M, Miyamura S, Tsuji Y et al.. Fail-safe drainage procedure in free radial forearm flap transfer. Journal of reconstructive microsurgery 2003. link
1 papers cited of 4 indexed.