Transoral reconstruction of the mobile tongue, using radial forearm free flap

Thomas Shpitzer*, Dan Guttman, Eyal Gur, Raphael Feinmesser, Dean Ad-El

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tongue resection has significant influence on the patient's quality of life, because it interferes with masticatory and speech functions and affects facial aesthetics. To avoid the disadvantages of the traditional lip-splitting used to approach partial tongue reconstruction for resection (40% of the tongue or more), we recommend a completely transoral approach, with the radial forearm free flap as a donor flap. Between 1999-2001, the suggested technique was applied in 11 patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue. A follow-up of 6-30 months showed good to excellent oral function, with preservation of tongue volume, motion, and facial aesthetics. This approach seems to be preferable over the lip-split aproach for the reconstruction of mobile tongue defects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)18-20
Number of pages3
JournalMicrosurgery
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003

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