J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2006 Mar;33(2):161-167.

Total Tongue Reconstruction with Reinnervated Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap

• Kim CH
• Tark MS

Abstract

After total glossectomy, recovery of swallowing and speech function can greatly improve quality of life. The reconstructed tongue must be thick enough to contact with the hard palate for articulation. If the free flap is denervation, it may procede to have atrophy postoperatively. Therefor it is difficult to maintain the tongue volume for a long period of time. To resolve this problem, we have used a innervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and maintaining the volume through a neurorrhaphy. 7 patients underwent immediate reconstruction using a reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap in which included intercostal nerve was anastomosed to the remaining hypoglossal nerve. The reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap has provided good tongue contour with sufficient bulk and shown no obvious atrophy in all patients even though postoperative 9 months later. Considering swallowing and articulation, we concluded that reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is a viable method after total glossectomy.

Keyword

Total tongue reconstruction; Reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap

MeSH Terms

Atrophy
Deglutition
Denervation
Free Tissue Flaps
Glossectomy
Humans
Hypoglossal Nerve
Intercostal Nerves
Myocutaneous Flap*
Palate, Hard
Quality of Life
Rectus Abdominis*
Tongue*