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J Reconstr Microsurg 2003; 19(3): 137-142
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39824
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Tongue Reconstruction with Free Radial Forearm Flap After Hemiglossectomy: A Functional Assessment

Hung-Tao Hsiao1,2 , Yi-Shing  Leu3 , Chang-Ching Lin4
  • 1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
  • 2Mackay Junior College of Nursing, Taipei, Taiwan
  • 3Department of Otolaryngology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
  • 4Department of Speech Therapy, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Publication Date:
13 June 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Thirty-three patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anteriolateral part of the tongue underwent a 50 percent resection of the tongue. The surgical defect was reconstructed with a microvascular radial forearm flap. All the flaps were especially designed to have a narrow waist, shaped like an omega in cross-section, thus allowing for a free tongue tip, and avoiding suturing the edge of the flap to the soft palate and tongue base.

Sixteen patients were evaluated for swallowing and speech function at least 6 months following reconstruction. With this technique, the majority of the patients had nearly normal deglutition, although their speech was still unsatisfactory. However, the speech function in this series was better than that in other reported series.

KEYWORDS

Tongue reconstruction - hemiglossectomy - radial forearm flap