Function of the sensate free forearm flap after partial glossectomy.

AIMS: To compare functional recovery of sensitive free forearm flaps with non-sensitive free forearm flaps, following reconstruction for partial glossectomy. MATERIAL: Sixteen patients underwent partial glossectomy for oncological reasons, of whom: nine patients underwent repair with non-sensitive free forearm flaps (group A) and seven with sensitive free flaps (group B). METHODS: All patients underwent the following tests: (1) tactile sensitivity evaluation, localization of stimulus, sharp/blunt definition, discrimination between two points (static and dynamic), thermal sensitivity to heat/cold; (2) speech evaluation by means of the modified Fanzago test; (3) subjective evaluation concerning the degree of satisfaction of the following functions: swallowing, feeding and talking. RESULTS: The sensitivity and logopaedic evaluation tests and the subjective evaluation charts highlight an overall better functional recovery of the sensitive repair than the non-sensitive ones. CONCLUSION: In patients who have undergone partial glossectomy repair with free forearm neurofasciocutaneous flaps allow good recovery of oral functions and, therefore, a good quality of life.     

游离皮瓣修复舌癌术后缺损联合语音训练的语音功能评价

目的探讨舌癌术后缺损经游离皮瓣同期修复并结合语音训练后的语音功能恢复情况。方法舌癌患者15例,其中男8例,女7例,平均年龄54岁,T2期13例,T3期2例。均行舌癌扩大切除及患侧颈淋巴清扫术,根据舌体缺损大小制备游离前臂皮瓣或股前外侧皮瓣,完成舌体缺损重建,术后1个月行语音训练,术后6个月后行语音清晰度检查,分析患者术后语音功能恢复情况。结果15例患者皮瓣均完全成活,均获得创口一期愈合。重建后的舌均具有良好的活动度,15例患者的语音清晰度为90％—100％,平均语音清晰度为94.5％。结论游离皮瓣同期修复舌癌术后缺损结合术后语音训练,能够较好地恢复患者的语音功能。     

Long‐term subjective tongue function after partial glossectomy

There have been limited studies of subjective tongue function over long‐term follow‐up in spite of swallowing and articulation disorders are common complications of glossectomy. To assess long‐term subjective swallowing and articulation function after partial glossectomy. A total of 63 patients with the mobile tongue cancer who underwent partial glossectomy without reconstruction were interviewed to score their swallowing and articulation function on a 100‐point scale. The relation of this subjective scoring to the perioperative data was subjected to multivariate analysis. The mean patient age was 53·4 (19–81) years, and the mean follow‐up duration was 78·9 (14–277) months. Mean swallowing and articulation function score was 87·7 ± 6·1 and 88·6 ± 5·4. Age, follow‐up duration, T stage and resection volume were significantly correlated with swallowing function (P = 0·026, 0·029, 0·016, 0·002, respectively); follow‐up duration was correlated with articulation function (P = 0·039). Patients who undergo partial glossectomy without reconstruction generally demonstrate good function on long‐term follow‐up. Subjective dysfunction was correlated with larger resection volume, older age and shorter follow‐up duration.     

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目的探讨前臂游离皮瓣修复舌癌术后缺损的临床应用。方法选择2005年6月至2009年10月惠州市惠阳区人民医院口腔科舌鳞状细胞癌患者26例,采用舌癌联合根治术中同期行前臂游离皮瓣移植修复术治疗,并对治疗效果进行随访观察。结果本组26例患者皮瓣均完全成活,供、受区创口均一期愈合,所有患者修复后舌形态功能恢复良好。结论对舌癌联合根治术造成的舌缺损,应用前臂游离皮瓣修复的临床效果较好,重建后的舌功能恢复也较为理想。     

Optimization of total tongue functional reconstruction with the sushi roll technique and its application in pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps

A protuberant shape and sufficient volume are the most important parameters for total tongue reconstruction. The conventional pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap undergoes collapse due to atrophy of the denervated muscle. In a new technique, this flap was rolled up like sushi to reshape the neotongue. This study explored the feasibility and effect of the ‘sushi roll’ technique for precise total functional reconstruction of the tongue using a PMMC flap. Thirty patients scheduled for total glossectomy and PMMC flap reconstruction were recruited. The sushi roll technique was performed in 15 patients and the conventional repair in 15 patients. Outcomes were compared between the two groups. The flap survived in all 30 patients. The sushi roll group showed superior results to the conventional group in terms of time to oral alimentation (P = 0.012) and decannulation (P = 0.041), as well as swallowing function (P = 0.032), speech intelligibility (P < 0.001), shape (P < 0.001), and quality of life score (P < 0.001) at 12 months. The innovative sushi roll technique uses a folding method that utilizes the length rather than the thickness and width of the flap to maintain the volume and protuberance of the neotongue, which results in acceptable function and improved quality of life.     

基于解剖学的“五点八线区”技术用于标准化次全舌重建效果评价

目的：使用基于解剖学的“五点八线区”皮瓣设计技术进行次全舌重建,并进行临床疗效评价。方法：44例舌鳞癌患者采用股前外侧皮瓣进行次全舌重建。根据皮瓣设计方法随机分为2组,分别为“五点八线区”（five-points eight-line-segments, FIPELS）组（23例）和传统皮瓣移植组（21例）。所有患者均进行神经重建,将皮瓣的皮神经与舌神经或舌咽神经吻合。利用Likert量表评估吞咽功能、语言清晰度和美观度,并评价重建舌的精细觉、本体感觉的敏感性、温度觉。采用SPSS 18.0软件包进行统计学分析。结果：除3例患者出现部分坏死外,其余皮瓣均愈合良好。与传统方法相比,FIPELS技术可以获得更大面积的皮瓣;FIPELS组患者的吞咽功能（P=0.016）和美观度（P=0.001）显著改善,但语言清晰度无显著提高（P=0.064）。2组患者在精细觉、本体感觉的敏感性、温度觉方面恢复效果相近。结论：使用基于解剖学的FIPELS技术进行精确次全舌重建,能获得理想的临床效果,值得推广应用。     

前臂皮瓣、股前外侧穿支皮瓣及颏下岛状皮瓣修复舌癌患者术后生活质量评估

目的:评估应用前臂皮瓣(radial forearm free flap,RFFF)、股前外侧穿支皮瓣(anterolateral thigh perforator flap,ALT)、颏下岛状皮瓣(submental island flap,SIF)修复舌癌患者手术相关因素及术后生活质量,明确舌癌切除的最佳修复方法.方法:2004年10月-2014年10月期间,应用RFFF、ALT、SIF修复90例舌癌患者术后缺损,随访观察半年,分析患者手术时间、住院天数、皮瓣面积及3种皮瓣修复对患者术后生存质量的影响.患者在手术后复诊时自行完成华盛顿大学生存质量问卷量表第4版(University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4,UW-QOLv4)填写.采用SPSS17.0软件包对数据进行统计学处理.结果:3组手术时间差异显著(P＜0.05).ALT组与SIF组住院天数差异显著(P＜0.05),其余2组无显著差异.3组皮瓣面积差异显著(P＜0.05).外貌方面,ALT组与RFFF组有显著差异(P＜0.05),其余2组无显著差异.行动方面,ALT组与SIF组、ALT组与RFFF组有显著差异(P＜0.05),SIF组与RFFF组无显著差异.3组在咀嚼、吞咽、语言、疼痛等10方面及总QOL得分无显著差异.结论:3种皮瓣修复舌癌术后缺损总生存质量无显著差异,均为舌癌术后缺损修复的理想皮瓣.皮瓣选择需根据组织缺损的类型及大小、手术条件与患者的自身情况等综合考虑.     

上臂外侧皮瓣移植修复舌缺损

目的 探讨上臂外侧皮瓣移植修复舌缺损的临床效果.方法 本组共10例舌鳞状细胞癌患者接受舌联合根治术同期上臂外侧皮瓣血管化移植修复术.术后随访评价再造舌形态、活动度、吞咽功能及语音功能.结果 10例患者术后均Ⅰ期愈合,上臂外侧皮瓣成活.术后随访平均16个月,无严重并发症,再造舌外形好,活动度满意,吞咽、语音功能接近正常,供区瘢痕隐蔽,临床疗效满意.结论 本组病例上臂外侧皮瓣移植舌再造的近期临床效果满意,远期疗效有待于进一步的随访和更深入的研究.     

Speech after partial glossectomy: a comparison between reconstruction and nonreconstruction patients.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to compare the articulation intelligibility of patients after hemiglossectomy or minor glossectomy within the hemitongue with or without reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The articulation intelligibility of 19 patients who underwent hemiglossetomy or minor glossectomy within the hemitongue was investigated at least 6 months after surgery with an articulation intelligibility test with 40 sensitive Chinese sounds. Patients were divided into group 1 (those undergoing reconstructive surgery after glossectomy) and group 2 (those not undergoing reconstructive surgery after glossectomy). Defects of the tongue (in group 1) were reconstructed immediately with free radial forearm flaps or pedicled flaps after glossectomy and closed primarily without reconstruction in group 2. The articulation intelligibility scores were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The mean articulation intelligibility score for group 1 was 77.0% (blade portion glossal sounds), 76.3% (mid portion glossal sounds), and 84.7% (rear portion glossal sounds), and those of group 2 were 94.6%, 92.1%, and 95.3%, respectively. The intelligibility of articulation of group 2 was significantly higher than that of group 1 in blade portion glossal sounds (P <.05), mid portion glossal sounds (P <.05), and rear portion glossal sounds (P <.01). CONCLUSION: The articulation intelligibility was better in patients not receiving grafts than in those receiving grafts. Reconstruction with flaps, which may interfere with the flexibility and mobility of the tongue, may contribute to articulatory impairment. If speech is the outcome of interest, reconstruction may be unnecessary with hemiglossectomy or other partial (minor) glossectomy within the hemitongue.     

Intraoral versus transcervical approaches in mandibular reconstruction with free flaps: A retrospective study

This study aims to investigate the clinical and functional differences between intraoral and transcervical approaches for segmental mandible resection and reconstruction with free flaps. Patients diagnosed as benign and low-grade mandibular malignant tumors without neck dissections were retrospectively reviewed and divided into intraoral and transcervical groups. Patients of intraoral group underwent intraoral mandibulectomy and vascular anastomosis was performed through a 2-cm submandibular incision, while traditional submandibular approach was used in transcervical group. Clinical characteristics of two groups were assessed including body mass index (BMI), defect types and number of fibular segments, as well as perioperative variables such as operation time, blood loss, drainage volume. The score of appearance, swallowing and speech using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) was recorded and analyzed 6-month postoperatively.A total of 14 patients in intraoral group and 21 patients in transcervical group was collected, respectively. In intraoral group, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume were significantly reduced in comparison with transcervical group (p = 0.0146, p = 0.0017; respectively). The score of appearance was 87.50 ± 12.97 in intraoral group, which was significantly higher than 64.29 ± 12.68 in transcervical group (p < 0.0001). Similar results were found in patients of subtype Class II mandibular defect between two groups. However, patients of intraoral group had a significant increase in operative time and a comparable amount of intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.0472, p = 0.1434; respectively).Within the limitations of the study it seems that an intraoral approach combined with a 2-cm submandibular incision should be preferred over a transcervical approach for segmental mandibulectomy and free flap reconstruction whenever appropriate.     

Functional results of swallowing and aspiration after oral cancer treatment and microvascular free flap reconstruction: A retrospective observational assessment

This study aimed to assess the functional swallowing outcomes in cohort of oral cancer patients treated with tumor resection and reconstruction by means of microvascular free flaps.Duration from onset to the last examination was classified into three periods: less than 12 months, from 13 to 24 months, and more than 24 months. Type of feeding, dysphagia, and laryngeal aspiration were the dependent variables, and the study was mainly focused on the data from the multivariate analysis.Fifty-one patients were included in the study. Twenty-one patients had dysphagia, 11 showed stasis in vallecula and pyriform sinuses, 9 experienced laryngeal penetration, and 8 aspirations. Surgery combined with radiochemotherapy was associated with a higher prevalence of dysphagia (p = 0.03). Frequency of dysphagia was higher in the first year after treatment and less frequent after 24 months (p = 0.003). Dysphagia was associated with laryngeal penetration (p = 0.001), and this with aspiration (p < 0.0005).In conclusion, as it seems that the method of reconstruction has a major influence on swallowing, when there are relevant alternatives in the way the reconstruction is done, always the approach should be chosen that reduces dysphagia to a minimum.     

前臂游离皮瓣在舌癌术后组织缺损修复与功能重建中的应用

目的:总结前臂游离皮瓣在舌癌术后组织缺损修复与功能重建中的临床效果。方法:选择舌癌联合根治术+同期前臂游离皮瓣移植修复术治疗的患者39例,对临床治疗效果进行随访观察。结果:随访6个月～4年,全部病例供、受区创口均一期愈合,患者语言、吞咽等功能均满意。结论:前臂游离皮瓣修复是舌癌术后组织缺损修复与功能重建较为理想的选择。     

Comparison of islanded facial artery myomucosal flap with fasciocutaneous free flaps in the reconstruction of lateral oral tongue defects

The aim of this study was to determine whether the islanded facial artery myomucosal flap (iFAMM) is a good alternative to fasciocutaneous free flaps (FCFF) in the reconstruction of lateral oral tongue defects. This was a retrospective study of 40 patients with oral tongue cancers (lateral lesions not >4 cm) operated on between August 2014 and March 2017, who underwent primary reconstruction with either an iFAMM or FCFF. The two groups were compared with respect to intraoperative time, total intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, complications, speech, swallowing, aesthetics, donor site morbidity, and economic feasibility. Patients who had an iFAMM had a reduced operating time, duration of ICU stay, and length of hospitalization; this flap was also more economically feasible. Better aesthetics and less donor site morbidity were also seen. The iFAMM is an alternative to FCFF in the reconstruction of lateral oral tongue defects, as it is less technically demanding, has good aesthetic outcomes, and is more economical, with acceptable donor site morbidity.     

Thin superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of the tongue

The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap is widely used in the repair of large soft tissue defects of the extremities and in breast reconstruction. Because of the high fat content of the abdomen, it has been less used for glossectomy reconstruction. Here we present a series of seven patients who each underwent reconstruction with a thin SIEA flap after resection of the tongue. There were six men and one woman (mean age 48, range 24–66 years). All patients underwent preoperative computed tomographic (CT) angiography, and colour Doppler ultrasound (US) was used to select and map the most suitable SIEA. The flap was raised above the Scarpa's layer while adjusted the plane of dissection according to the specific needs for bulk in each case. All the flaps survived; one flap required a secondary anastomosis because of a venous anastomotic embolus. The size of flap used was 5.0 cm × 6.0 cm - 7.0 cm × 9.0 cm, and the flap was 0.8 cm-1.4 cm thick. The functional outcome was evaluated at 6 - 18 months follow up, when speech and swallowing were both good in all cases. The dissection above the pubic symphysis is an important refinement of the SIEA flap, and we conclude that the thin SIEA flap is a good choice for reconstruction after excision of cancer of the tongue.     

舌根癌全舌切除临床治疗（附2例报告）

目的：探讨舌根癌全舌切除的临床治疗。方法：对2例舌根癌患者分别行保留少量舌根组织的全舌切除加游离腹直肌肌皮瓣舌再造术及全舌、会厌切除加带蒂胸大肌肌皮瓣全舌再造术。结果：两种皮瓣均可有效修复全舌切除术后的组织缺损,再造舌的形态满意。2例病例均获成功,19个月后复查皮瓣成活良好且肿瘤无复发,保留部分舌根患者语音及进食恢复较好。结论：带蒂胸大肌肌皮瓣及游离腹直肌肌皮瓣均可作为全舌切除后组织缺损的有效修复方法;保留舌根与否及保留组织的多少对再造舌术后的功能有较大影响。     

带血管蒂游离组织瓣同期修复舌癌术后缺损及临床评价

目的 评价带血管蒂游离组织瓣修复舌嶙癌术后缺损的外形及功能恢复效果。方法32例舌癌患者进行根治术的同期．分别采用带血管蒂的前臂游离皮瓣、足背游离皮瓣进行修复，术后观察组织瓣成活状况．舌功能和外形，并评价表评价患者的语言和（或）吞咽的功能恢复情况.结果 32例中,31例成活,成活率93.9%,术后观察见舌形态良好,语言,咀嚼,吞咽,证食等功能恢复至正常或接近正常,未发现复发及死亡病倒.结论 舌癌根治术同期选择带血管蒂游离组织瓣修复,可以较好地恢复舌的功能,并可能提高生存率.     

Subtotal glossectomy preserving half the tongue base prevents taste disorder in patients with tongue cancer

Most patients diagnosed with tongue carcinoma undergo surgical resection and reconstructive surgery to preserve tongue mobility and swallowing functions. Twenty-four patients who underwent a total or subtotal glossectomy and surgical reconstruction were evaluated for residual taste sensation. The graded filter paper test for all four tastes (sweet, salt, sour, and bitter) was performed on the posterior wall of the oropharynx and on tongue remnants if they were visible from the mouth. Eleven of the 24 patients were aware of their taste disorder after surgery. Four patients with more than 1/2 residual tongue base had no taste complaints, whereas seven of 14 patients with less than 1/3 residual tongue base reported taste abnormalities. Patients who could only tolerate a poor diet or tube feeding tended to have taste complaints (P = 0.017). The taste test showed that the taste threshold of the residual tongue was significantly lower compared to controls. The taste threshold was significantly correlated with the remaining volume of tongue base. Patients with >1/2 the tongue base remaining had good taste sensation, whereas those with <1/3 residual tissue had impaired taste. This study suggests that glossectomy strategies aimed at preserving at least half the tongue base may substantially reduce dysgeusia in the patients.     

Functional assessment: Free thin anterolateral thigh flap versus free radial forearm reconstruction for hemiglossectomy defects

Background

To compare free thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with free radial forearm (FRF) flap in the reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects, and to introduce our methods and experience in the tongue reconstruction with free thin ALT flap.

Material and Methods

The clinicopathologic data of 46 tongue carcinoma cases hospitalized from December 2009 to April 2014 were obtained from Nangjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University. All the subjects were evaluated for the articulation and the swallowing function 3 months after the surgery.

Results

Among these 46 patients, 12 patients underwent tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy with ALT flap; 34 patients underwent tongue reconstruction with FRF flap. The differences in the incidence of vascular crisis, the speech and the swallowing function between two groups were not significant (P>0.05).

Conclusions

Thin ALT flap could be one of the ideal flaps for hemiglossectomy defect reconstruction with its versatility in design, long pedicle with a suitable vessel diameter, and the neglectable donor site morbidity. Key words:Free thin anterolateral thigh flap, free radial forearm flap, hemiglossectomy, reconstruction, morbidity.     

Effect of a maxillary glossectomy prosthesis on articulation and swallowing

Swallowing was found to be substantially improved with the prosthesis. Less aspiration, less time necessary to complete the swallow, and greater variation in food consistency tolerated were all positive results of the prosthesis. In addition, videofluoroscopic studies of tongue movements during speech revealed that tip-alveolar /t-d/ and back-velar /k-g/ productions were more normal with the prosthesis. With the prosthesis, the understandibility of /t/ and /d/ was improved 20% and that of /k/ and /g/, 33%. It is clear that compromises must be effected in prosthesis design to facilitate improvement in both speech and swallowing. A large prosthetic mass in the oral cavity can also negatively change speech resonance. These issues are being investigated, as are acoustic and perceptual studies of speech articulation. Future research should address whether a combination of maxillary and mandibular prostheses would result in better speech and swallowing function. A mandibular prosthesis could replace missing teeth and alveolar contour that might influence speech and swallowing. A mandibular prosthesis might also allow construction of a smaller maxillary glossectomy prosthesis to interact with the mandibular prosthesis.     

The relationship between lingual and hypoglossal nerve function and quality of life in head and neck cancer

Sensorimotor impairment of the tongue has the potential to affect speech and swallowing. The purpose of this study was to critically examine the effects of nerve preservation and reinnervation after reconstruction of the base of tongue on patient‐perceived outcomes of quality of life (QoL) related to speech and swallowing through completion of the EORTC QLQ‐H&N35 stan‐dardised questionnaire. Thirty participants with a diagnosis of base of tongue cancer underwent primary resection and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap, which may or may not have included nerve repair to the lingual nerve, hypoglossal nerve or both. Eight QoL domains sensitive to changes in motor and sensory nerve function were included in the analysis. Transected lingual and hypoglossal nerves were associated with difficulty in swallowing, social eating, dry mouth and social contact. There were fewer problems reported when these nerves were either repaired or left intact. There were no significant differences between patient nerve status and QoL outcomes for speech, sticky saliva and use of feeding tubes. This study was the first to examine the impact of sensory or motor nerve transection and reconstruction on health‐related QoL outcomes.