J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2006 Sep;33(5):557-562.

Analysis of Free Flap Reconstruction of the Tongue

• Kang DH
• Lee HC
• Koo SH
• Park SH
• Jung KY

Abstract

PURPOSE
Advanced carcinoma of the tongue is a devastating disease which may cause severe speech or swallowing dysfunction. But, none to date has provided all of the complex functions of the tongue. The purpose of this study is to review our experiences with individuals who underwent glossectomy followed by reconstruction using free tissue transfer.
METHODS
Between February 1998 and February 2005, twenty-four patients underwent glossectomy followed by free tissue transfer reconstruction. The defects of tongue caused by partial or subtotal glossectomy were reconstructed by means of radial forearm or lateral thigh free flap with nerve innervation. Especially for the patients who underwent total glossectomy, we reconstructed deglutition muscles anatomically with nerve reinnervation, a procedure that allows the grafted muscle to maintain good tongue bulk without obvious atrophy.
RESULTS
Patients were reviewed to determine their functional outcome as it related to speech, deglutition, and aspiration. All patients achieved oral intake of a soft diet and acceptable speech.
CONCLUSION
Although reconstruction following glossectomy using free tissue transfer is not ideal, this procedure is safe and reliable, and provides predictable results. A future challenge is the development of a surgical procedure for reconstruction of a tongue that maintains mobility and sensation using neurotized flaps.

Keyword

Tongue cancer; Free flap reconstruction

MeSH Terms

Atrophy
Deglutition
Diet
Forearm
Free Tissue Flaps*
Glossectomy
Humans
Muscles
Sensation
Thigh
Tongue Neoplasms
Tongue*
Transplants