J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2007 May;34(3):330-335.

The Comparison between Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap and Radial Forearm Free Flap in Partial Glossectomy Defect-An Evaluation of Donor Site Morbidity and Functional Outcome

• Cho SH
• Lee WJ
• Lew DH
• Tark KC

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and donor site morbidity of anterolateral thigh free flap(ALT) compared to Radial forearm free flap(RFFF) for the reconstruction of partial glossectomy defect.
METHODS
5 ALT free flap (group I) were attempted for partial glossectomy patients. We compared patients undergone ALT flap with those(n=11) of similar size defect reconstructed with RFFF (Group II). Rating scales for articulation and swallowing function were applied and donor site morbidity have been evaluated.
RESULTS
The scales for speech function showed no difference between the two groups (average score; group I-6.4, group II-6.45). Swallowing function also showed no difference between the two groups(average score; Group I-6.6, Group II-6.27). ALT group had one patient with donor site morbidity(numbness). All of the RFFF patients(11/11) complained and suffered from hypertrophic scar, retraction, numbness or hyperpigmentation on forearm donor site. Based on our study, ALT free flap is comparable to that of RFFF in terms of functional assessment in tongue reconstruction.
CONCLUSION
Considering the donor site morbidity, ALT flap is to be valuable to reconstruct partial glossectomy defect.

Keyword

Partial glossectomy; Anterolateral thigh flap; Functional outcome; Donor site morbidity

MeSH Terms

Cicatrix, Hypertrophic
Deglutition
Forearm*
Free Tissue Flaps*
Glossectomy*
Humans
Hyperpigmentation
Hypesthesia
Thigh*
Tissue Donors*
Tongue
Weights and Measures