A new design for free flap reconstruction of the tongue and oropharynx

Radical resection of tongue and oropharyngeal carcinomas often results in complex defects that are challenging to reconstruct. Furthermore, remaining function should not be disturbed by the reconstruction. We introduce a new flap design and monitored swallowing and speech following reconstruction of complex oral defects. The new design consists of four lobes on a single pedicle. The first reconstructs the tongue, the second the tongue base, the third the oral floor, and the fourth the lateral wall. The records of cases performed between July 2002 and December 2006 were reviewed. Twenty-three patients (17 men and 6 women) with an average age of 60 years underwent immediate reconstruction using a free flap after radical resection of a malignant carcinoma of tongue or oropharynx using a free flap. Postoperative swallowing and speech were rated using a self-report questionnaire. Moreover, the functional outcome in patients with and without a tongue base defect was compared. All free flaps took entirely, and postoperative function was largely satisfactory. Swallowing in patients with and without a tongue base defect was similar, but speech was more impaired in patients who had a tongue base defect. Our new design is effective for reconstructing intraoral defects three-dimensionally. However, further refinement is required to preserve speech.     

Tongue reconstruction with free radial forearm flap after hemiglossectomy: a functional assessment

Thirty-three patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anteriolateral part of the tongue underwent a 50 percent resection of the tongue. The surgical defect was reconstructed with a microvascular radial forearm flap. All the flaps were especially designed to have a narrow waist, shaped like an omega in cross-section, thus allowing for a free tongue tip, and avoiding suturing the edge of the flap to the soft palate and tongue base. Sixteen patients were evaluated for swallowing and speech function at least 6 months following reconstruction. With this technique, the majority of the patients had nearly normal deglutition, although their speech was still unsatisfactory. However, the speech function in this series was better than that in other reported series.     

Modification of flap design for total mobile tongue reconstruction using a sensitive antero-lateral thigh flap

Reconstruction of large carcinologic tongue defect is mandatory to recover adequate speech and swallowing. Free flaps provide thin and pliable tissues needed to restore the shape and the volume of the tongue but their functional outcomes, especially in case of total mobile tongue reconstruction, are still limited. The authors describe a modification of flap design called the 'cathedral triptych' used with the antero-lateral thigh flap. This modified design recreates a near normal neotongue shape with more projected tip and vertical bulk that can contact the palate and the upper lip. Ten patients underwent total mobile tongue reconstruction with a sensitive antero-lateral thigh flap and a 'cathedral triptych' design. This modification of flap shaping and folding optimises postoperative oral function.     

股薄肌皮瓣在修复舌癌术后缺损中的应用

目的:评价股薄肌皮瓣在舌癌术后缺损修复重建中的临床应用价值。方法:对7例舌癌患者在原发灶切除后利用股薄肌皮瓣行动力性舌再造,术后随访评价舌功能恢复情况。结果:7例股薄肌皮瓣均获得成功,再造舌外形丰满,运动良好,术后6个月均检测出不同程度的肌电信号,患者的言语、咀嚼、吞咽功能恢复满意。结论:股薄肌皮瓣位置表浅,供区隐蔽,血供稳定,容易塑形,可实现动力性舌再造,是修复舌癌术后缺损的一种较好选择。     

股前外侧皮瓣修复中晚期舌癌术后缺损

目的 报道应用股前外侧皮瓣移植修复中晚期舌癌术后缺损的临床效果.方法 对9例中晚期舌癌患者接受舌癌联合根治术同期应用吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣移植修复术后缺损.皮瓣切取面积最大10 cm×12 cm,最小7 cm×10 cm,修复舌及口底缺损.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 9例患者供区均直接拉拢缝合,术后供受区伤口一期愈合,股前外侧皮瓣成活.术后平均随访18个月,肿瘤无复发,无严重并发症,再造舌外形较丰满,有一定的活动度,吞咽、语音功能恢复良好,供区瘢痕隐蔽,临床疗效满意.结论 股前外侧皮瓣移植修复中晚期舌癌术后缺损的临床效果满意,值得推广应用.     

颏下岛状瓣修复舌癌切除术后舌与口底组织缺损

目的评价颏下岛状瓣修复舌组织缺损的临床效果及其应用价值。方法1997年3月~2004年10月,对9例舌癌患者在行舌颌颈联合根治术后所形成的舌或舌与口底组织缺损,应用颏下岛状瓣修复。其中男6例,女3例,年龄48~71岁。右半侧舌5例,左半侧舌4例,其中病变侵及口底者4例。组织缺损范围4.2 cm×3.2 cm~5.5 cm×4.0 cm。修复所用组织瓣大小为6.0 cm×3.0 cm~7.0 cm×4.0 cm。以颏下动脉为蒂8例,颏下动脉联合颌外动脉近心端为蒂1例。结果术后8例颏下岛状瓣成活。修复后舌体静态形态佳;动态表现前伸、上举、侧向运动不受限,语音清晰,吞咽功能良好,未发生任何并发症。3例术后3周放疗。随访1~36个月,舌无异常变化。1例组织瓣坏死脱落,创面自然愈合。结论颏下岛状瓣修复舌缺损,手术方法简便,并能提供足量组织同时修复口底缺损。     

胸锁乳突肌肌皮瓣在舌癌根治术后舌缺损修复中的应用

目的:总结中晚期舌癌根治性切除即时进行舌再造的经验。方法:对1988年1月至2004年12月间舌癌根治术后即刻修复采用的胸锁乳突肌皮瓣的临床资料进行分析。结果:14例皮瓣全部成活。再造舌外形大部分良好,语言和吞咽功能基本恢复。结论:以胸锁乳突肌肌皮瓣修复中晚期舌癌根治性切除后的舌缺损,可较好恢复舌的形态和功能,提高生存质量。     

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

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 approach for the reconstruction of mobile tongue defects.     

Speech and swallowing following radial forearm flap reconstruction of major soft palate defects.

Velopharyngeal function is often compromised by the resection and reconstruction of oropharyngeal and palatal tumours. While free tissue transfer has improved the outcomes of head and neck reconstruction. In general, palatal reconstruction remains a challenge. Velopharyngeal function was analysed in eight patients following microsurgical reconstruction of defects of between 50 and 100% of the soft palate. The radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap was used in all cases. The outcome of reconstruction was analysed by patient questionnaire and with standardised tests of speech and swallowing function. Velopharyngeal function post-operatively ranged from poor to near normal. Poor function appeared due to the loss of active elevation and contracture of the reconstructed palate producing failure of velopharyngeal closure during swallowing and speech. The results emphasise the limitations of reconstruction of a dynamic structure such as the soft palate with the static fold of skin and soft tissue produced by a fasciocutaneous flap. The relatively poor results obtained suggest that an anatomical approach to soft palate reconstruction is inadequate and reduction of the calibre of the velopharyngeal aperture is required to compensate for the lack of mobility in the reconstructed palate.     

应用胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣重建全舌体、口底的初步报告

目的 探讨累及双侧的舌癌根治术后全舌体、口底重建的有效方法及临床评价。方法 对2000年10月至2002年12月问我科收治的7例累及双侧的舌癌患者实施根治性手术，造成全舌体、口底的大面积缺损，采用一侧胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣转移即时重建全舌体和双侧口底。结果 6例转移肌皮瓣完全成活，口腔和颈、胸部创面均一期愈合。1例肌皮瓣远端部分皮肤坏死，但无口底颌下瘘和感染等并发症发生。术后随访2～16个月，重建舌体、口底形态基本满意，语言功能大部分恢复，吞咽功能恢复良好。1例在术后9个月死于肿瘤肺转移，其余6例目前均继在。结论 胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣组织量大，血供丰富，是全舌体、口底重建的理想选择。     

Primary closure versus radial forearm flap reconstruction after hemiglossectomy: functional assessment of swallowing and speech

The authors compared the postoperative speech and swallowing function of six patients who underwent free radial forearm flap reconstruction after hemiglossectomy with that of six control patients who underwent primary closure of the defect. Clinical speech pathologic evaluations included the Fletcher time-to-time maximum repetition rate of syllables, multiple rhyme test, and overall quality and intelligibility of the patients' speech. Evaluation of swallowing included the duration of deglutition, bolus volume, and ingestion rate. Speech quality, including intelligibility and articulation, was better in patients with primary closure. However, the bolus volume and ingestion rate in deglutition were better in those with flap reconstruction. These results suggest that the flap adds bulk, thus improving pharyngeal clearance by maintaining the tongue-to-mouth roof contact that is necessary in the swallowing process. The nonfunctional flap, however, hinders articulation by restricting the mobility of the remaining portion of the normal tongue.     

前臂游离皮瓣在保存舌功能的半舌再造术中的应用

目的 探讨前臂游离皮瓣在保存舌功能的半舌再造术中的I临床应用.方法 2002年7月至2006年11月,对40例原发灶为舌侧缘且未超过中线的舌癌患者,于舌癌联合根治术同期行吻合血管的前臂游离皮瓣移植修复半舌缺损,部分病例将前臂外侧皮神经与舌神经断端吻合,制备成感觉皮瓣.结果 40例患者伤口均一期愈合,前臂游离皮瓣完全成活.术后随访6个月至4年6个月,平均2年6个月,供、受区均无严重并发症.再造舌外形好,运动协调.吞咽、语音功能接近正常,感觉功能也有不同程度的恢复,临床疗效满意.结论 对于舌癌联合根治术造成的半舌缺损,应用前臂游离皮瓣修复的临床效果满意.重建后的舌功能恢复较为理想.     

鼻唇沟瓣修复颌面部恶性肿瘤术后缺损的临床观察

目的：探讨鼻唇沟瓣修复颌面部恶性肿瘤术后缺损的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析8例颌面部恶性肿瘤术后缺损采用鼻唇沟瓣进行修复治疗,术后6个月、1年,2年随访。结果：8例皮瓣全部成活。随访6个月～2年,面部形态及功能恢复良好,未见肿瘤复发或淋巴结转移。结论：鼻唇沟皮瓣具有血运丰富、转移灵活、成活率高等优点,对于修复口腔颌面部肿瘤术后所致的缺损在美观和功能方面可以达到良好的治疗效果。     

Lateral arm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction: a functional evaluation

By use of sophisticated techniques now available from the science of Speech Pathology, we can now document, quantify, and critically analyze the surgeon's reconstructive efforts in the oral cavity. Using these methods, we have evaluated the neurotized lateral arm free flap in six patients receiving oral reconstruction. Two of these are reported in detail. This study has provided a protocol that results in the objective analysis of swallowing, articulation, and range of tongue motion and sensation. All of these tests can be routinely performed by a speech pathologist to document both operative performance as well as patient progress in speech and swallowing. It would appear that we have quantified evidence that the neurotized lateral arm free flap may represent a significant step forward in reducing the morbidity of total and subtotal glossectomy by providing a truly functional reconstruction.     

Indications for vascularized free rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap in oromandibular region in terms of efficiency of anterior rectus sheath

The anterior rectus sheath, efficacious in reconstructive surgery, is used in oromandibular reconstruction with the free rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. This study describes reconstruction with this sheath in 20 patients: to preserve only the swallowing function in 10 patients (formation of the bulge of the reconstructed oral floor and prevention of its sinking); to preserve both swallowing and articulation in 5 patients (formation of the bulge of the reconstructed tongue and prevention of its sinking, concurrent with a money-pouch-like reconstruction of the tongue, laryngeal suspension, and neuroanastomosis); and to prevent exposure of the reconstruction plate, replacing the resected mandibular continuity in 5 patients. The purpose of reconstruction was achieved in all patients. The vascularized free rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap with a firm anterior rectus sheath may be the first choice for these types of reconstruction.     

Swallowing function in patients who underwent hemiglossectomy: comparison of primary closure and free radial forearm flap reconstruction with videofluoroscopy

The swallowing function of patients who had undergone hemiglossectomy with either primary closure of the defect or radial forearm flap reconstruction was studied with videofluoroscopy. Patients with primary closure were unable to lift the tongue tip, had poor tongue-to-palate contact on initiating swallowing, had premature spilling of the bolus into the pharynx, had a large amount of barium stasis on the floor of the mouth, and had prolonged oral transit time. With flap reconstruction, patients easily could lift the tongue and make good contact with the entire palate. They were able to seal the posterior pharyngeal sphincter by elevation of the reconstructed tongue, approximating it to the soft palate, so that premature spilling of the bolus rarely happened. Their swallowing pattern was nearly normal. Although the reconstructed flap is nonfunctional, it provides bulk and helps the remaining tongue to complete the swallow. Compared with primary closure of the tongue defect, the authors suggest it is better to reconstruct it with a free radial forearm flap when more than 50% of the tongue is resected.     

Functional outcomes after surgical reconstruction of the base of tongue using the radial forearm free flap in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Historically, the prevention of functional morbidity after multimodal treatment for squamous cell carcinoma in patients with large base of tongue lesions has been challenging. The purpose of the present research is to report prospectively collected speech and swallowing outcomes for patients with disease that encompassed half or more of the base of tongue. METHODS: Speech and swallowing data were gathered at 4 evaluation times that spanned the first year of treatment for 32 patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy. RESULTS: Speech intelligibility remained above 90% for most patients. In the early postoperative period, patients with 100% of their base of tongue resected experienced decreased intelligibility, which improved by the half-way mark of the evaluations. The majority of patients resumed normal oral feeding, with those who lacked dentition needing to puree their food. Modified barium swallow studies revealed that only 3 patients aspirated thin liquid at the final evaluation. Five patients used a feeding tube at some point over the year of evaluation. At the final evaluation, only 3 patients required enteral feeding, with 2 of these using the tube in combination with oral feeding and 1 using the tube for primary nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that surgical reconstruction of the base of tongue using the radial forearm free flap in patients with large base of tongue lesions can lead to functional speech and swallowing results.     

Free tensor fascia lata-iliac crest osteomusculocutaneous flap for reconstruction of combined maxillectomy and orbital floor defect

Reconstruction of maxillectomy with extensive orbital rim and floor excision defects is a challenging problem. The goal of reconstruction here is to provide adequate orbital support to prevent enophthalmos and diplopia as well as obturation of the palatal defect. The existing methods of the reconstruction fail to simultaneously address these 2 goals of reconstruction. A new method of reconstruction of these defects using tensor fascia lata-iliac crest flap was used in 7 cases of cancers of the maxilla, which necessitated extensive resection of the orbital floor along with the maxillectomy. The flap was raised as a muscle and bone flap in 5 cases and in 2, a skin paddle was included. The immediate and delayed outcome at 6-month follow-up was analyzed. The functional outcome with regards to the ocular position and function, palatal obturation, speech, and swallowing were recorded. The bone viability at 6 months was assessed by computed tomography scan. The flap was successful in all the 7 cases. The delayed outcome assessment showed that the orbital support was excellent with no diplopia in all the cases. The palatal defect could be covered successfully in all the cases, resulting in normal speech and swallowing. The computed tomography scan showed excellent integration of the bone. The free tensor fascia lata-iliac crest flap is a reliable and safe method of reconstruction of the orbitomaxillary defects, addressing the issues of both orbital support and palatal obturation.     

Radial forearm versus anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction after hemiglossectomy: functional assessment of swallowing and speech

The authors retrospectively compared the results of postoperative speech and swallowing in patients who had undergone hemiglossectomy for carcinoma of the anterior tongue. Immediate reconstruction in 16 patients was with a free radial forearm flap and in another 16 with an anterolateral thigh flap. Clinical speech pathology evaluation included the Fletcher time-to-time maximum syllable repetition rate, multiple rhyme test, and overall quality and intelligibility of the patients' speech. Evaluation of swallowing included deglutition duration, bolus volume, and ingestion rate. The functional results with both flaps were adequate, and the two groups did not differ significantly between each other for either speech or swallowing.     

Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with lateral thigh free flap

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the use of a lateral thigh free flap in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, which is often overlooked and less widely used despite its distinct advantages. METHODS: This study reviewed the patient's medical records, including the patient's age, gender, histopathologic diagnosis, surgical defects, flap size, flap survival, donor and recipient site complications, and swallowing function and voice rehabilitation. RESULTS: Twelve lateral thigh free flaps were used to primarily reconstruct the pharyngoesophagus in 11 patients after tumor resection from July 1997 to May 1999. Eleven of the 12 flaps (91.7%) were transferred successfully. In one patient, the flap failure occurred as a result of venous thrombosis, and therefore another lateral thigh free flap from the opposite thigh was used 3 days later. The swallowing function was restored in all patients. Prosthetic voice rehabilitation was successfully achieved in all five patients, who primarily underwent tracheoesophageal punctures. No frank fistula or stricture developed. Significant donor site morbidity was not noted. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral thigh free flap is useful and reliable in selected cases of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction and versatile in flap design with favorable functional outcomes of swallowing and voice rehabilitation with minimal donor site morbidity.