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Cortina LE, Meyer CD, Feng AL, Lin DT, Deschler DG, Richmon JD, Varvares MA. Depth of resection predicts loss of tongue tip sensation after partial glossectomy in oral tongue cancer: A pilot study. Oral Oncol 2023; 147:106595. [PMID: 37837737 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) To characterize the change in sensory function following partial glossectomy for oral tongue cancer (OTC) and to identify predictors of loss of tongue-tip sensation (LoTTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with at least three months follow-up after partial glossectomy for primary OTC were included. All patients underwent a qualitative tongue sensation assessment and an objective tongue sensory exam of the native tongue tip. Additional details regarding the oncologic resection, surgical reconstruction, and pathological stage were collected. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Sixty-four patients were enrolled, including 34 (53%) men with a median age of 65 at enrollment. Ten (15%) patients reported LoTTS. Increased depth of resection (DOR) was an independent predictor of LoTTS on multivariate analysis, with an increased risk at a threshold of 1.3 cm. LoTTS was also associated with worse subjective quality of life and perceptive speech performance in our qualitative tongue assessment. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, we found that DOR is a critical prognostic factor in predicting post treatment function. Patients with an increased DOR, particularly above 1.3 cm, are at greatest risk of LoTTS and associated morbidity. These findings may be used to predict post-operative sensory deficits, manage patients' expectations, and optimize the reconstructive approach. Future studies are needed to validate and replicate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Cortina
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Charles D Meyer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Allen L Feng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Derrick T Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniel G Deschler
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeremy D Richmon
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark A Varvares
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States.
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Lee G, Chang YJ, Park J, Ryu JY, Choi KY, Yang JD, Chung HY, Cho BC, Kang B, Lee J, Lee JS. Free Vertical Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Tongue Reconstruction After Total Glossectomy. In Vivo 2023; 37:2710-2718. [PMID: 37905654 PMCID: PMC10621451 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The tongue is an important anatomical structure, playing an significant role in natural speech, swallowing, and sense of taste. Immediate reconstruction using autologous tissue must be performed following glossectomy for tongue cancer to improve patient quality of life. This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of a surgical technique using the free vertical latissimus dorsi flap (FvLDF) for tongue reconstructions using autologous tissue. PATIENTS AND METHODS Among patients who underwent total glossectomy for tongue cancer from November 2014 to February 2023, we selected 10 patients who underwent immediate tongue reconstruction with a radial free forearm flap (RFFF) or free anterolateral thigh flap and four patients who underwent FvLDF. The patients were compared regarding postoperative function (width of oropharyngeal space in computed tomography, language-speech evaluation), aesthetic results, and features. RESULTS All four patients who underwent FvLDF showed successful flap survival, with no severe complications. Because vertical incision was made during flap harvest with primary closure possible with the mid-axillary line, donor morbidity was significantly lower in patients who underwent reconstruction with FvLDF than in those who underwent reconstruction with RFFF, and good aesthetic results were obtained. In comparing the oropharyngeal space of patients on neck CT preoperatively and postoperatively, the width increase rate of patients who underwent reconstruction with FvLDF was significantly smaller. FvLDF patients demonstrated good speech and swallowing functions. CONCLUSION Considering the advantages of reconstruction with FvLDF in terms of features and aesthetic results, this surgical technique may be a reliable alternative technique for tongue defects after glossectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giljoon Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong June Chang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongmoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Yeop Ryu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Young Choi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Dug Yang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Yun Chung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Chae Cho
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungju Kang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyeon Lee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seok Lee
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea;
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Chung YK, Kim MS, Shin JY, Lee NH, An AR, Roh SG. Malignant melanoma associated with a plaque-type blue nevus of the cheek: a case report. Arch Craniofac Surg 2023; 24:78-82. [PMID: 37150529 PMCID: PMC10165239 DOI: 10.7181/acfs.2023.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Blue nevi, which are characterized by collections of pigment-producing melanocytes in the dermis, have a variety of clinicopathological characteristics. Plaque-type blue nevus (PTBN) is a variant of blue nevi. PTBN presents at birth or arises in early childhood, and it shows a combination of the features found in common blue nevus and cellular blue nevus. It is typically found on the dorsal surface of the hands and feet or on the head and neck, and it is usually benign and stable over time. However, reports have occasionally described malignant melanomas developing in or associated with a PTBN. Malignant blue nevi are most commonly found on the scalp. We report the case of an 88-year-old woman with a malignant melanoma associated with a PTBN of the cheek.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Kyu Chung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju,
Korea
| | - Min-Seok Kim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju,
Korea
| | - Jin Yong Shin
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju,
Korea
| | - Nae-Ho Lee
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju,
Korea
| | - Ae Ri An
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju,
Korea
| | - Si-Gyun Roh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju,
Korea
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Nguyen KA. Twelve Years of Establishing the Strategies for Tongue Reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 2023; 90:222-228. [PMID: 36796043 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reconstruction after resection of malignant tongue tumors remains one of the most difficult problems in head and neck oncology. Recent trends in tongue reconstruction have focused on optimizing speech and swallowing functions and maximizing quality of life. In the recent literature, several reconstructive strategies including regional flaps and free flaps have been described. PATIENTS AND METHODS A case series of 328 patients underwent oral tongue reconstruction between March 2011 and March 2022. Functional evaluation was performed in all patients 3 months after reconstruction (where the patients required no adjuvant radiotherapy) or after radiotherapy. RESULTS Total flap necrosis was seen in 5 patients with free flap reconstruction (2 radial forearm flaps, 1 lateral arm flap, and 2 anterolateral thigh flaps), 5 patients with infrahyoid myocutaneous flap, and 1 patient reconstructed with a supraclavicular flap. Our success rate is 96.6%; partial flap necrosis was observed in 11 patients with infrahyoid myocutaneous flap and 2 patients with a supraclavicular flap. Most patients with subtotal glossectomy or smaller defects (type II-IVA defects) could communicate on the phone and had the near-normal capacity for an oral diet. The remaining patients (type IVB-V defects) had significantly lower speech scores. The majority of patients could eat liquid and semiliquid foods. CONCLUSION Tongue cancer surgery and subsequent reconstruction posed exciting challenges for the surgeon to optimize tongue function and quality of life for patients. Attention to the principles of tongue reconstruction and choosing appropriate flap for each defect achieve better functional results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoi A Nguyen
- From the Department of Oncology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, and Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Oncology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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A 3-Dimensional Analysis of Flap Volume Change in Hemi-Tongue Reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 2022; 89:e45-e50. [DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ravindra A, Nayak DR, Devaraja K, Matthew NM, Tiwari S. Functional Outcomes After Surgical Resection of Tongue Cancer; A Comparative Study Between Primary Closure, Secondary Intention Healing and Flap Reconstruction. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:6296-6306. [PMID: 36742906 PMCID: PMC9895170 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-03038-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess and compare the quality of speech and swallowing between three reconstruction options (primary closure-group A, secondary intention healing-group B and flap reconstruction-group C), in small to moderate sized onco-surgical defects of oral tongue. 47 patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria during the study period, of which, 15 belonged to group A, 16 belonged to group B, 16 were in group C. Speech and swallowing assessment was done using Speech Intelligibility Assessment score and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, respectively. The above tests were administered pre-operatively, 1 month and 6 months post-operativey in all the study participants. The average scores of speech intelligibility at 1 month were 66.13% (±19.96), 70.04% (±12.28) and 37.31% (±11.29) for groups A, B and C respectively. Similarly, average long term scores for speech intelligibility in these three groups were 72.7% (±17.72), 83.3% (±12.78) and 52.8% (±11.74) respectively. With regards to swallowing the composite scores at 1 month were 73.67 (±13.69), 68.31 (±16.06) and 41.81 (±5.44), and at 6 months were 83.2 (±10.24), 79.31 (±12.29) and 57.88 (±7.37), respectively for groups A, B and C. All the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Healing by secondary intention offered the best functional outcome in terms of speech intelligibility, and primary closure offered best swallowing outcomes in operated cases of oral tongue. This trial has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India in December 2018 (CTRI Reg. No: CTRI/2018/12/016803).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Ravindra
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, 4th floor, New OPD Building, Manipal, Karnataka India
| | - Dipak Ranjan Nayak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, 4th floor, New OPD Building, Manipal, Karnataka India
| | - K. Devaraja
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, 4th floor, New OPD Building, Manipal, Karnataka India
| | - Neethu M. Matthew
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, 4th floor, New OPD Building, Manipal, Karnataka India
| | - Shivani Tiwari
- Department of Speech and Hearing, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka India
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Choi JW, Alshomer F, Kim YC. Current status and evolution of microsurgical tongue reconstructions, part I. Arch Craniofac Surg 2022; 23:139-151. [PMID: 36068689 PMCID: PMC9449093 DOI: 10.7181/acfs.2022.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reconstructive surgery in the management of head and neck cancer has evolved to include structure-specific approaches in which organ-specific treatment algorithms help optimize outcomes. Tongue cancer management and reconstruction are surgical challenges for which well-executed reconstructive plans should be completed promptly to avoid delaying any subsequently planned oncologic treatment. Crucial considerations in tongue cancer resection are the significant functional morbidity associated with surgical defects, particularly in terms of speech and swallowing, and the consequent negative impact on patients’ quality of life. With the evolution of microsurgical techniques and the development of the perforator flap concept, flap options can be tailored to the characteristics of various tongue defects. This has allowed the implementation of pliable flaps that can help restore tongue mobility and yield subsequent functional outcomes. Using an evolutional framework, we present this series of reviews related to tongue reconstruction. The first part of the review summarizes flap options and flap-related factors, such as volume and tissue characteristics. Related functional aspects are also presented, including tongue mobility, speech, and swallowing, as well as ways to evaluate and optimize these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Woo Choi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Feras Alshomer
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Chul Kim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Fang Y, Ouyang Q, Zheng Z, Wang J. Case Report: Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap for Tongue Reconstruction Following the Hemiglossectomy. Front Surg 2021; 8:692331. [PMID: 34805255 PMCID: PMC8599122 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.692331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Therapeutic evaluation of applying superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap in tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy. Methods: We retrospectively collected a total number of 14 patients who received SCIP flap reconstruction for tongue defects at the Fujian Medical University affiliated Union Hospital, between November 2016 and November 2020. We evaluated the clinical features of the flap, analyzed the postoperative functions and esthetic effects after 6 months of the tongue reconstruction. Results: All the SCIP flaps survived successfully after the operation, the recipient site tongue bodies were well reconstructed 6 months after the surgery. Patient speech and swallowing functions were well recovered during the follow-up. The scars in the donor site were concealed with limited numbness. Conclusions: With the advantages of the hidden donor site and aesthetic benefits, the SCIP flap is a reliable option for the reconstruction of the tongue defect after hemiglossectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Fang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiming Ouyang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Reconstruction of Hemiglossectomy Defects With the Lateral Arm Fasciocutaneous Flap. J Craniofac Surg 2021; 32:e689-e693. [PMID: 33674504 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000007608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Partial tongue reconstruction requires a thin pliable flap to restore volume and mobility. The lateral arm flap is well suited to this as it is a thin fasciocutaneous flap that has consistent vascular anatomy, reliable perfusion, short harvest time and low donor site morbidity. The authors report our experience with use of this flap for reconstruction of hemi-glossectomy defects. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent reconstruction of hemi-glossectomy and floor of mouth defects with a lateral arm flap, at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (Pakistan) from November 2016 to January 2020. Flaps were harvested from the nondominant upper extremity. Data were collected for patient demographics, size of defect, size of flap, recipient vessels, postoperative complications and functional outcome. RESULTS Over a 3-year period, 8 hemi-tongue and extended hemi-tongue, and floor of mouth reconstructions were performed with a lateral arm fasciocutaneous flap. A standard lateral arm flap was harvested in 3 patients and an extended lateral arm flap in 5 patients. Mean flap size was 65.75 cm2 (48-76 cm2). The recipient artery in all cases was the superior thyroid artery. The recipient veins were the common facial vein in 1 patient, the internal jugular in 3 patients, the external jugular in 1 patient and both external and internal jugular in 3 patients. Donor sites were closed primarily. There were no total or partial flap losses. All patients were able to resume an oral diet (unrestricted in 1, soft in 4, pureed in 2 patients). Postoperative speech was intelligible to patients' family in 4 patients and to strangers in 3 patients. One patient succumbed to progressive disease in the early postoperative period. Orocutaneous fistulas developed in 3 patients, all of which healed with nonoperative management. CONCLUSIONS The lateral arm fasciocutaneous flap is well suited for reconstruction of hemiglossectomy and floor of mouth defect. It has the advantages of straightforward harvest, thin and pliable soft tissue, and low donor site morbidity.
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De Santis G, Mattioli F, Pinelli M, Martone A, Starnoni M, Fermi M, Presutti L. Tip of the Tongue Reconstruction with Prelaminated Fasciomucosal Radial Forearm Free Flap. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2020; 8:e3226. [PMID: 33425574 PMCID: PMC7787281 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tongue cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity. Occurrence in the tip of the tongue (TOT) is rare. We describe a case report of a TOT tumor excision and reconstruction with a prelaminated fasciomucosal radial forearm free flap. A 41-year-old white man was referred to our department for a squamous cell carcinoma of the tip of the tongue. The patient worked as an air traffic control official; therefore, conservation of speech intelligibility, both in Italian and English language, was of paramount importance. A transoral excision of TOT, bilateral selective neck dissection, and reconstruction with prelaminated fasciomucosal radial forearm free flap were performed. Adjuvant radiotherapy was necessary. The patient was completely re-established as an air traffic control officer. Successful tongue reconstruction of smaller defects depends on thinness, pliability of flap, and conservation of tongue mobility. Surgical options for TOT reconstruction are facial artery muscolomucosa flap, Zhao flap, radial forearm free flap, or primary suture. In the authors' opinion, a fasciomucosal prelaminated RFFF offers a series of advantages for TOT reconstruction. The absence of subcutaneous tissue makes the PFRFFF much thinner than fascio-cutaneous flaps. Compared with mucosal loco-regional flaps, prelaminated flaps allow the preservation of oral mucosa lining while providing adequate bulk and reduced scar formation for optimal func- tional recovery. In our case report, the fasciomucosal flap allowed an adequate reconstruction of TOT volume with good functional and aesthetic outcomes. The flap's added bulk and its minimal scar retraction granted free tongue movement and optimal speech intelligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio De Santis
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Largo del Pozzo, 71, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Mattioli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Largo del Pozzo, 71, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Pinelli
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Largo del Pozzo, 71, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Martone
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Largo del Pozzo, 71, Modena, Italy
| | - Marta Starnoni
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Largo del Pozzo, 71, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Fermi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Largo del Pozzo, 71, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Presutti
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Largo del Pozzo, 71, Modena, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to review the recent literature on the utilization of the lateral arm free flap use in head and neck reconstruction. RECENT FINDINGS The lateral arm free flap provides a reliable fasciocutaneous free tissue transfer option ideally suited for reconstruction of the oral cavity, pharynx and parotid. Primary donor site closure, compartmentalized fat and excellent colour match make it an excellent option for head and neck reconstruction. Donor site morbidity is low, and the primary limitation is the short and narrow vascular pedicle. SUMMARY The lateral arm free flap should be considered in cases of oral cavity and skin reconstruction, particularly in cases wherein pedicle length is not restrictive.
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