Background: The necessity of nerve anastomosis in an attempt to regain cutaneous sensitivity following flap transfer has been the basis of many discussions. In our study, we investigated the degree of sensory recovery with emphasis on the different nerval qualities on the radial forearm and the latissimus dorsi flap. COLLECTIVE: Sixty-two patients with 66 latissimus dorsi flaps and 19 patients with a radial forearm free flap were examined.
Results: Except for five latissimus dorsi and two radial forearm flaps, all flaps investigated showed clinical signs of sensory recovery, whereby the degree and quality of cutaneous reinnervation varied. In comparison, neural reconstruction did not lead to any clinical improvement.
Conclusion: Based on our clinical results, we consider nerve reconstruction during radial forearm and latissimus dorsi free flap transfer unnecessary. To what extent this can be said for other flaps requires further investigation.