Preliminary Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Tongue Reconstruction with the Vastus Lateralis Myofascial Free Flap

Armando De Virgilio; Andrea Costantino; Raul Pellini; Gerardo Petruzzi; Giuseppe Mercante; Jacopo Zocchi; Tiziana Mondello; Valerio Conti; Giuseppe Spriano

doi:10.1055/s-0041-1726445

Facial Plastic Surgery, Table of Contents

Facial Plast Surg 2021; 37(05): 681-687
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726445

Original Research

Preliminary Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Tongue Reconstruction with the Vastus Lateralis Myofascial Free Flap

Authors

Armando De Virgilio

¹Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy

²Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
Andrea Costantino

¹Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy

²Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
Raul Pellini

³Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Gerardo Petruzzi

³Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Giuseppe Mercante

¹Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy

²Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
Jacopo Zocchi

³Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Tiziana Mondello

²Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
Valerio Conti

²Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
Giuseppe Spriano

¹Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy

²Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to report our preliminary experience with the vastus lateralis myofascial free flap (VLMFF) for tongue reconstruction according to tongue and donor site functional outcomes. Twelve consecutive patients (F: 5; median age: 54.0 years, interquartile range or IQR 42.75–69.0) were included. The validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer of the Head and Neck 35 Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and the performance status scale for head and neck cancer (PSS-HN) questionnaires were used to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used to self-report the donor area function. All patients were successfully treated, and no VLMFF failure was detected during a median follow-up period of 10.5 months (IQR: 6.5–33.0). The HRQOL showed a median EORTC QLQ-H&N35 score of 56.0 (IQR: 50.0–72.5). The median PSS-HN score was 80.0 (IQR: 45.0–95.0), 75.0 (IQR: 62.5–100.0), 75.0 (IQR: 62.5–100.0) for “Normalcy of Diet,” “Public Eating,” and “Understandability of Speech,” respectively. The self-reported function of the lower extremities (donor area) showed a median LEFS of 59.0 (IQR: 32.5–74.0). This study reports optimistic data regarding the functional and quality of life outcomes after tongue reconstruction using VLMFF. Prospective controlled studies are needed to demonstrate advantages and disadvantages when compared with other reconstructive techniques.

Keywords

microsurgery - free flap reconstruction - functional outcome - quality of life

Full Text

References

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