舌根癌手术治疗2例报告

目的探讨手术治疗舌根癌的方法.方法分别为2例舌根癌患者实施咽侧入路及下颌骨正中裂开外旋入路切除肿瘤,应用胸骨舌骨肌肌筋膜瓣和胸大肌肌皮瓣修复缺损.结果2例患者切口均一期愈合,经锻炼逐步恢复了吞咽及语言功能;术后10月和18月复发.结论术前充分检查,准确评估肿瘤范围是选择合适的术式,彻底切除肿瘤的前提;咽侧入路及下颌骨正中裂开外旋入路是切除舌根癌最常用的有效手术径路;胸骨舌骨肌肌筋膜瓣和胸大肌肌皮瓣修复是两种有效的修复方法,前者对术后吞咽、语言功能的影响较小,后者可修复局部较大的组织缺损.     

喉癌下咽癌患者下咽及颈段食管术后缺损的修复方法

目的 :探讨喉癌下咽癌患者下咽或下咽及颈段食管术后缺损的修复方法。方法 :对保留喉功能的下咽术后缺损 9例 (伴颈段食管部分切除 3例 ,颈段食管癌行食管全切除 1例 ) ,用胸大肌肌皮瓣修复 4例 ,直接修复 4例 ,胃咽吻合术 1例。不保留喉功能 2 0例 (伴颈段食管部分切除 2例 ) ,舌瓣修复 16例 ,喉组织瓣 2例 ,胸大肌肌皮瓣与胸骨舌骨肌筋膜瓣联合重建下咽 2例。结果 :术后 8例Ⅰ期恢复吞咽及喉功能 ,1例下咽狭窄 ,Ⅱ期行残喉切除。余 2 0例中 16例Ⅰ期恢复吞咽功能 ,1例下咽狭窄经扩张进食 ,3例咽瘘 ,其中 1例咽瘘行Ⅱ期胃咽吻合术。 1、3及 5年的生存率分别为 92 %、6 4 .7%和 4 6 .2 %。结论 :保留喉功能的下咽或下咽及颈段食管缺损可直接修复或采用胸大肌皮瓣修复 ,不保留喉功能者 ,可采用舌瓣、胸大肌皮瓣修复或咽胃吻合术。肌皮瓣和肌筋膜瓣联合重建全下咽易引起下咽狭窄或咽瘘     

经舌骨入路口咽前壁癌的综合治疗

目的 探讨对口咽前壁癌患者施行以经舌骨入路切除为主的综合治疗效果.方法 回顾性分析2005年5月至2010年10月24例口咽前壁即舌根会厌区癌患者的临床资料.24例患者中T27例,T3 2例,T4 15例;N0 7例,N1 4例,N2 12例,N3 1例.均经舌骨入路,行全舌根和(或)半舌切除+喉部分切除9例,舌部分切除+喉全切除7例,舌全切除+喉部分切除7例,舌部分切除(全舌根+半舌)1例.胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣修复全舌(7例)或部分舌(9例)及咽侧壁缺损(16例),修复颈部皮肤缺损1例;游离前臂皮瓣+胸骨舌骨肌瓣修复半舌、咽侧及部分咽后缺损1例;胸骨舌骨肌瓣修复舌根2例;直接拉拢缝合4例.20例行双侧颈清扫术,4例行单侧颈清扫术.术前放疗5例,术后放疗16例.结果 24例患者原发灶切缘均阴性,17例(70.8％)患者淋巴转移阳性.术后咽瘘3例,其中2例舌部分切除+喉全切除胸大肌皮瓣一期修复术后4d出现咽瘘者,经清创换药后拉拢缝合;1例舌根全切除+喉部分切除术后放疗后咽瘘者以胸大肌皮瓣修复.17例保留喉功能患者中16例于术后1～6个月内拔管,恢复正常饮食,构音尚可,另1例发音、吞咽尚好,但堵管后通气不足,未能拔管.随访3年以上21例,Kaplan-Meier法计算3年总生存率72.6％.结论 经舌骨入路口咽前壁癌切除是较为理想的术式之一,手术缺损较大,多需一期修复,综合治疗尚能取得较满意结果.     

带蒂舌瓣修复下咽术后组织缺损12例报告

目的：探讨修复下咽组织部分缺损的较好手术方法。方法：对１２例晚期复发性喉癌及下咽癌患者,施行残喉或全喉切除及下咽部分切除后,设计以一侧舌深动脉为蒂的舌瓣,翻转向下,与保留的下咽粘膜及游离上提的颈段食道缝合,修复下咽组织缺损;以舌骨下肌群及斜方肌瓣加固下咽前外侧壁。结果：１１例术后１５ｄ逐渐恢复吞咽功能;１例发生咽瘘,经换药延期２０ｄ进食。１年、３年和５年生存率分别为８１．８％（９／１１）、６６．７     

扁桃体癌手术及修复方法的选择

目的 探讨扁桃体癌手术切除入路与组织缺损的几种修复方法及疗效.方法 采用颈前舌骨入路及下颔骨正中裂开外旋入路切除19例扁桃体癌,分别应用舌瓣、颞肌筋膜瓣及胸大肌肌皮瓣修复缺损.结果 1例胸大肌肌皮瓣术后出现皮肤部分坏死,3例颞肌筋膜瓣修复者术后张口轻度受限,其余患者术后呼吸、吞咽、咀嚼和语音功能恢复良好.结论 在选择合适的手术入路彻底切除肿瘤的前题下,熟练地掌握多种修复方法,择优采用,是恢复良好口咽功能,提高患者术后生活质量的重要保证.     

喉全切除后气管造瘘口复发癌缺损外科修复比较

目的探索喉全切除后气管造瘘口复发癌缺损外科修复的治疗效果。方法对18例喉全切除后气管造瘘口复发癌实施外科治疗。其中Ⅰ型7例,颈部单纯切口,胸大肌肌皮瓣修复颈部皮肤气管造瘘口缺损;Ⅱ型6例,颈肢或胸联合切口,前臂皮瓣或胸大肌肌皮瓣(游离前臂皮瓣5例,胸大肌肌皮瓣1例)修复部分喉咽切除;Ⅲ型3例,颈腹联合切口,游离空肠修复全喉咽、颈段食管;Ⅳ型2例,颈胸腹联合切口,胃上拉修复全喉咽、全食管。Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ型的颈部皮肤气管造瘘口缺损均用胸大肌肌皮瓣修复。结果颈部缺损胸大肌肌皮瓣均成活;咽瘘4例(其中游离空肠1例,前臂皮瓣2例,胃上拉咽瘘出血1例);全部病例术后均能进食;随访6～74个月,3例出现不同程度吞咽梗阻。结论喉全切除后气管造瘘口复发癌外科治疗缺损,修复选择应根据原发肿瘤治疗的经过及气管造瘘口复发癌侵及范围来确定修复方法。     

用胸大肌肌皮瓣作一期舌底重建

对舌底癌手术治疗不仅要根治癌并要修复口咽部功能。80～90％病人初诊时肿瘤已是3或4期,约75％已有颈部转移。常先放疗再作广泛切除,并作部分下颌骨切除和颈廓清术,有的需将喉切除。Bakamjian和Littlewood(1964)曾强调一期修复口咽衬里来防止随口咽切除后的唾液流溢、舌运动受限和发音障碍等问题。通常用局部带蒂皮瓣,但缺点是需分期手术。用肌皮瓣一期重建是一明显进步。已有胸锁乳突肌瓣、斜方肌瓣、背阔肌瓣和胸大肌瓣等相继在头颈重建手术呻成功地应用。本文描述用胸大肌岛状皮瓣于舌底一期重建手术。胸大肌是一扇形肌,起自宽阔的胸锁部,向侧方集中成三层肌腱附着于肱骨干上端。它有三处起点:——锁骨、胸肋和外斜肌腱膜。它的血液供应主要来自胸肩峰动脉的四个终末支之一;胸支,经其穿通支供应上盖之皮肤;还来自胸外、内侧动脉,给胸大肌肌皮瓣提供充足的血液     

舌瓣修复咽喉术后缺损的临床研究

目的 探讨咽喉肿瘤切除后咽喉组织缺损的舌瓣修复方法。方法 设计了１／３舌体舌瓣、半侧舌根舌瓣、全舌根舌瓣、横行舌根舌瓣等４种舌瓣,对１５例口咽侧壁癌、下咽癌、声门上型癌切除后的组织缺损进行了修复。结果 １５例患者舌瓣全部成活,１３例颈部伤口Ⅰ期愈合,２例颈部伤口感染裂开,经处理愈合,进食良好。１、３年生存率分别为９２．９％（１３／１４）、７２．７％（８／１１）。结论 舌瓣修复咽喉组织缺损,具有操作     

舌体癌的手术治疗方法探讨

目的：回顾性总结我科1988年至1995年间舌体鳞癌手术治疗经验，探讨舌体鳞癌手术治疗方法相关问题。材料与方法；入选病例为1988年5月-1995年6月我科住院初治舌体鳞状细胞癌共185例，男102例，女82例，年龄28-88岁，临床分期；Ⅰ-Ⅱ期72例，Ⅲ-Ⅳ期113例，所有病例均行原发灶手术切除 颈淋巴清扫术，原发灶手术切除术后缺损及下颌骨体部处理根据不同情况采用不同术式，cN0148例行选择性颈淋巴清扫术，cN1-337例行治疗性根治性颈淋巴清扫术，结果：185例中177例获5年随访，随访率95.68%。185例舌体鳞癌5年生存率为72.43%。已死亡43例中，因肿瘤局部复发30例，淋巴转移7例，远处转移5例，其它1例，舌体缺损修复；未修复者42例，用前臂皮瓣修复117例，胸大肌皮瓣修复26例，下颌骨体部处理；未切除者92例，方块切除75例，下颌骨体部部分切除18例，185例颈淋巴转移率为29.19%，cN0者颈淋巴pN^ 转移机率为19.59%，结论：舌体鳞癌行下颌骨体部切除者适用于癌肿已侵犯口底颌舌沟舌侧粘骨膜者，舌体鳞癌舌体缺损小于1/3时可不修复，大于1/2者可应用前臂皮瓣，大于2/3者行胸大肌肌皮瓣修复，cN0选择性颈清扫术，T1者颈部严密观察，T2行肩胛舌骨上清扫术，T3-4者行功能性颈清术，已超越中线的cN0T3-4患者可作双侧功能性颈清扫术，但不同期行双侧根治性颈清扫术。     

舌瓣修复咽喉术后缺损的临床研究

目的　探讨咽喉肿瘤切除后咽喉组织缺损的舌瓣修复方法。方法　设计了 1 3舌体舌瓣、半侧舌根舌瓣、全舌根舌瓣、横行舌根舌瓣等 4种舌瓣 ,对 15例口咽侧壁癌、下咽癌、声门上型癌切除后的组织缺损进行了修复。结果　 15例患者舌瓣全部成活 ,13例颈部伤口Ⅰ期愈合 ,2例颈部伤口感染裂开 ,经处理愈合 ,进食良好。 1、3年生存率分别为 92 .9% ( 13 14)、72 .7% ( 8 11)。结论　舌瓣修复咽喉组织缺损 ,具有操作方便、血供丰富、成活率高、并发症少等优点 ,值得临床推广应用。     

The free vascularized flap and the flap plate options: comparative results of reconstruction of lateral mandibular defects

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Reconstruction of the mandible and oral cavity after segmental resection is a challenging surgical problem. Although osteocutaneous free flaps are generally accepted to be optimal for reconstruction of anterior defects, the need for bony reconstruction for a pure lateral mandibular defect remains controversial. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study of short- and long-term outcomes of three different reconstruction techniques for lateral defects was performed. In total, 57 patients were included, of whom 27 had a plate and pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF group), 16 had a plate and free radial forearm flap (FRFF group), and 14 had an osteocutaneous free flap. Functionality, flap failure, and complications were scored. RESULTS: Plates had to be removed in 7 of the 27 patients in the PMMF group and 2 of the 16 in the FRFF group; none of the 14 osteocutaneous free flaps failed. The difference was of borderline statistical significance (P = .055). Longterm functional outcome revealed no statistically significant difference in oral deglutition (P = .76) or in facial contour (P = .36). Oral continence was significantly better in patients in the FRFF group (88%) as compared with the PMMF group (52%) or the osteocutaneous free flap group (43%) (P = .02). On the other hand, the results for speech favored the osteocutaneous free flap group; 13 of 14 patients (92.9%) had a normal score compared with 12 of 16 patients (75%) in the FRFF group and 17 of 27 (63%) in the PMMF group. However, this represented a borderline statistically significant result (P = .06). CONCLUSIONS: For lateral mandibular defects, the osteocutaneous free flap is reliable and durable in the long term. However, in a selected group of patients either of the two flap-plate options is a viable reconstructive option.     

Video fluoroscopic evaluation after glossectomy

BACKGROUND: The swallowing deficits that result from oral or oropharyngeal resections vary considerably depending on the site, extension of the resection, and type of reconstruction. Most patients will experience some degree of dysphagia despite the reconstructive effort. Furthermore, a glossectomy is frequently associated with voice and speech difficulties. OBJECTIVES: To characterize swallowing in patients who underwent a glossectomy and to define the limits and the compensatory movements using video fluoroscopic analysis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Video fluoroscopic evaluation of 15 patients who underwent glossectomies at the Centro de Tratamento e Pesquisa Hospital do Cancer A. C. Camargo, S*ao Paulo, Brazil. PATIENTS: We examined 15 patients: 5 who underwent a partial glossectomy, 2 who underwent a subtotal glossectomy, and 8 who underwent a total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation and reconstruction with myocutaneous flaps (9 pectoralis major flaps and 1 latissimus dorsi flap). The 15 patients were enrolled in a program that included voice, speech, and swallowing rehabilitation. RESULTS: All patients who underwent a partial glossectomy had difficulties with formation and anteroposterior propulsion of the bolus in the oral cavity and an increase in oral transit time, which was more evident with materials of thicker consistencies. All patients who underwent a total or subtotal glossectomy with laryngeal preservation had an increase in oral transit time and stasis of food in the oral cavity, the pharynx, and the superior esophageal sphincter. Of the 15 patients, 2 had moderate and asymptomatic aspiration. These 2 patients had swallowing compensations, such as increased buccal, mandibular, pharyngeal, and laryngeal activity and voluntary protection of the larynx during swallowing. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of swallowing in patients who were enrolled in voice, speech, and swallowing rehabilitation after undergoing a partial or total glossectomy. An increase in oral transit time was detected in all patients. Only 2 of the 10 patients who underwent a total glossectomy had persistent asymptomatic aspiration.     

Pectoralis major muscle flap use in a modern head and neck free flap practice

PurposePectoralis major muscle flaps (PMMF) are a commonly used reconstructive modality to repair head and neck defects. As the use of free flap reconstruction is increasingly practiced in the head and neck, the role of the PMMF may be changing as well. This study sought to analyze indications and outcomes for PMMF following head and neck resections from one surgeon's experience.Materials and methodsRetrospective review from December 1, 2013 through September 30, 2017 at a tertiary care academic medical center. Indications for the PMMF were examined as well as surgical outcomes. Basic demographic data, patient head and neck cancer history, history of radiation and/or chemotherapy, and history of previous reconstructive procedures were obtained and compared across all subjects.ResultsForty patients underwent a PMMF within the designated time frame. The majority of patients were male (83%) and the average age was 65 years (range 55.4–74.6 years). Of the 40 cases, 9 of the PMMFs were performed as primary reconstruction of the defect. In the remaining 31 cases, these flaps were utilized as a secondary reconstructive option following fistula formation (13), dehiscence (6), need for an additional flap for recurrent disease (6) infection (4), or major bleeding (2). In every case that it was utilized, the PMMF was the definitive reconstruction. Within the same time frame, 429 free flaps were performed by the same surgeon, with an average of 125 free flaps performed yearly. The rate of total flap failure overall was 3.9%. The other failed free flap reconstructive options used besides a PMMF were secondary free flaps (11), local wound care (4), or obturator placement (2). The secondary pectoralis flaps occurred following 7.2% of free flaps with total or partial failure that were performed within the same time range. The indications for the PMMF did not change or evolve during the time frame of the study.ConclusionsAlthough free flaps were performed with far greater frequency than PMMFs at our institution, the PMMF demonstrated continued utility as a secondary reconstructive option. For a surgeon who performs a high volume of free flaps, preservation of the pectoralis muscle and associated vasculature for possible later secondary reconstruction should be considered due to its strong efficacy.     

Vibratory segment function after free flap reconstruction of the pharyngoesophagus

Reconstructive options following total laryngo-pharyngectomy include thin, pliable free tissue segments, approximating the natural thickness of the pharyngeal wall. The authors have investigated outcomes in the following clinical series, emphasizing speech and swallowing. Twelve cancer patients underwent laryngopharyngectomy with or without glossectomy. Eight jejunal, 1 radial forearm, and 3 innervated latissimus dorsi flaps were used for vibratory segment (VS) reconstruction, and all 12 patients underwent tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP). Eleven patients achieved intelligible speech, with a median intelligibility of 93%. The vibrating segments showed fluttering of the free flap tissue when studied by videopharyngography. Vocal quality was lower pitched and softer than “conventional” TEP speech. All patients achieved oral intake as their primary mode of nutrition. Free flaps are a successful option for VS reconstruction in patients undergoing laryngopharyngectomy or glossopharyngolaryngectomy, obviating the need for written or electrolarynx communication.     

Analysis of the relations between the shape of the reconstructed tongue and postoperative functions after subtotal or total glossectomy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: For reconstruction after subtotal or total glossectomy, both preserving the larynx and maintaining postoperative swallowing and speech functions can greatly improve quality of life; however, postoperative functional results are often unstable. Our experiences suggest that insufficient flap volume in the oral area and postoperative prolapse of the preserved larynx affect postoperative function. The objective was to investigate the relations of the shape of the reconstructed tongue to postoperative swallowing and speech functions. STUDY DESIGN: The shape of the reconstructed tongue was classified on the basis of magnetic resonance and intraoral inspection as protuberant, semi-protuberant, flat, or depressed. Speech intelligibility was evaluated, and body weight, which might affect the shape of the transferred flap, was measured before and after surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients who had undergone subtotal or total glossectomy and subsequent reconstruction were reviewed. RESULTS: We found that speech intelligibility (P <.001), food (P <.01), and deglutition (P <.003) scores were significantly lower in patients with flat or depressed tongues than in patients with semi-protuberant or protuberant tongues. Weight loss after surgery was significantly greater in patients with depressed tongues than in other patients (P <.013). Our results indicate that postoperative function is related to the shape of the reconstructed tongue. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that 1) wider and thicker flaps, such as rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps, be used; 2) flaps be designed to be approximately 30% wider than the defect; 3) laryngeal suspension be used to prevent prolapse of the transferred flap; and 4) careful general management and sufficient nutrition are important in the early postoperative period.     

Analysis of the efficacy of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in reconstructive head and neck surgery

IntroductionAlthough free flaps have been used predominantly in past decades for the soft tissue reconstruction of head and neck malignancies, Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) is still a reliable workhorse for patients with co-existing co-morbidities or low economic status where free flaps are not feasible.Patients and methodsIt was a retrospective study done on 36 patients of head and neck malignancies over the period of 5 years in which PMMF was used as a method of reconstruction in our hospital. Patients were followed up for a period of one year and outcome of PMMF was evaluated.ResultsOut of 36 patients 31 were of oral cancer and 5 were of carcinoma hypopharynx. Incidence of total flap necrosis was nil and partial flap necrosis was 16.6%. Orocutaneous fistula was found in 16.6%, wound dehiscence was in 19.4% and infection was found in 13.5% of patients. Non-flap related complications were found in 13.8% of patients. 35 out of 36 patients (97.2%) eventually achieved satisfactory surgical outcome of PMMF reconstruction.ConclusionPMMF is a reliable method of reconstruction for head and neck malignancies especially in basic healthcare settings. With minimal expertise and groundwork, it is still a cost-effective workhorse flap for head and neck reconstruction.     

Tongue reconstruction: Concepts and practice

Total or subtotal tongue resection results in the potential for severe speech and swallowing disruption and life-threatening aspiration. This report documents the development of a new design for latissimus dorsi flaps used in tongue reconstruction. In order to create a contractile muscle sling which will raise the neotongue toward the palate for speech and swallowing, the flap is harvested with muscle fibers oriented transverse to its long, skin component axis. The flap is then transferred to the oral and oropharyngeal defect and sutured at the level of the mandibular angle to the remaining muscles of mastication. Conventional microvascular anastomosis for free flaps is followed by end-to-end reanastomosis of the hypoglossal nerve stump to the nerve to latissimus dorsi. The skin component is set into the floor of mouth with a curved wedge resected anteriorly, raising a mound to assist with articulation. Fourteen such reconstructions have been performed on patients undergoing glossectomy for cancer. If not invaded by cancer, the glottic larynx was preserved, and the decannulation rate was 80% at a median postoperative interval of 3.2 weeks. Seventy percent of patients achieved oral intake with pureed food or better, and upward motion of the flap was documented by video swallowing studies. Articulation was particularly good. This innervated latissimus dorsi flap design therefore is a viable method for rehabilitation after total or subtotal glossectomy.     

Total glossectomy without laryngectomy as first-line or salvage therapy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Advanced carcinoma of the tongue can require total glossectomy. Although radiation therapy is of limited efficacy in T3 and T4 tumors involving the base of the tongue, many surgeons are reluctant to suggest highly mutilating surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We compared early postoperative complications, hospital stay duration, function, and oncological outcomes in patients who underwent total glossectomy without laryngectomy as first-line or salvage therapy. RESULTS: Postoperative course and functional outcomes were similar in the two groups. Overall survival was 32% at 3 years and 21% at 5 years. The risk factors for shorter survival were positive margins of resection (P =.002) and tumor spread into the mandible (P =.04). Salvage surgery was not associated with significantly lower survival (P =.09 [NS]). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative morbidity and functional outcomes are similar after first-line and salvage total glossectomy without laryngectomy. Local tumor control is the main factor influencing survival.     

Sensory recovery in noninnervated free flaps for head and neck reconstruction

Recent studies have reported sensory recovery in innervated (“sensate”) microvascular free flaps used for oromandibular reconstruction. To evaluate the efficacy of sensate free flaps used for head and neck reconstruction, the natural outcome of noninnervated flaps must be known. Data on the natural recovery of sensation in noninnervated head and neck free flaps are lacking in the literature. This study evaluates the degree of spontaneous sensory reinnervation in noninnervated microvascular free flaps used for reconstruction of a variety of head and neck defects. Eighteen flaps were evaluated–9 fibula osseocutaneous and 9 radial forearm. The fibula flapswere used to reconstruct composite defects of the mandible and oral cavity mucosa. The radial forearm flaps were used to reconstruct defects resulting from floor of mouth resection (3), total glossectomy (2), pharyngectomy (1), full-thickness cheek (1), and facial skin (2). Sensation to pinprick, light touch, and temperature discrimination were tested over the skin paddle at time intervals ranging from 6 to 24 months. The pattern of sensory reinnervation in these noninnervated flaps over time and by location is discussed.     

Fasciocutaneous flap reconstruction of the tongue and floor of mouth: outcomes and techniques

OBJECTIVES: To quantify functional and other outcomes after major resection and fasciocutaneous free-flap reconstruction of the tongue and floor of mouth, and to describe reconstructive technique. DESIGN: A hypothesis-generating, retrospective cohort study of 43 patients who underwent, at minimum, a hemiglossectomy and resection of the floor of the mouth for oral cancer followed by fasciocutaneous free-flap reconstruction. SETTING: A tertiary academic medical center in the midwestern United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Speech intelligibility, swallowing, interval to decannulation, length of stay, free-flap success rates, patient survival, and complications. RESULTS: Thirty patients underwent oral tongue reconstructions, and 13, tongue base reconstructions. Median intelligibility scores were greater among patients in the tongue base group (98% intelligibility) than in the oral-tongue group (76% intelligibility) (P<.001). Of the 38 patients undergoing swallowing evaluation, 32 (85%) were able to feed entirely by mouth, most with mild to moderate dysphagia. All patients underwent decannulation (mean interval, 13.7 days). The mean length of hospital stay was 11 days, and free flaps in 42 patients (98%) survived. Twenty-eight patients (65%) were still alive by the end of the study, yielding a mean survival time of 27.4 months. Seven patients (16%) had severe medical and 3 (7%) had major surgical complications. CONCLUSION: The folding techniques used in this study for reconstruction of the tongue with fasciocutaneous free flaps were associated with recovery of adequate speech and swallowing in most patients.