Comparison of the subjective satisfaction of the donor site morbidity: Free radial forearm flap versus anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction in tongue cancer patients

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to compare the differences of the subjective satisfaction of the donor site morbidity between the free radial forearm flap (FRFF) and anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) for tongue reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and nineteen patients underwent FRFF or ALTF reconstruction were retrospectively evaluated by a standardized self-established donor site morbidity questionnaire which included 5 domains, sensibility, movement disabilities, cosmetics, social activities and general impacts on the quality of life. RESULTS: The Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of the questionnaire was 0.707. The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the 5 items of the questionnaire might load onto two distinct subscales. Patients with ALTF had higher scores in the sensibility, cosmetics and the composite score (P< 0.05). No significant differences were found in the movement disabilities, social activities and general impacts on the quality of life between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ALTF has the advantage of better results of donor site morbidity, such as sensibility and cosmetics, over FRFF. Key words:Quality of life, tongue cancer, free radial forearm flap, anterolateral thigh flap, donor site morbidity.