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.     

Functional comparison after reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap or a pectoralis major flap for cancer of the tongue.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous patients in Taiwan with tongue carcinoma require tongue reconstruction. We compared the abilities of 2 methods of tongue reconstruction to reserve tongue function. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Sixty patients underwent resection of the tumors and reconstruction with a pectoralis major flap or a radial forearm flap. The Chinese articulation test was used to evaluate the place and manner of error production, and a questionnaire on dietary habits was used to evaluate deglutition 6 months to 10 years after reconstruction. RESULTS: Patients with the free flap had more intelligible speech. The questionnaire study showed no significant difference between the 2 groups in swallowing rating. Motility caused by flap pliability increased speech intelligibility more than it did on swallowing function. CONCLUSION: Our experience in a few selected patients shows that the functional outcome of tongue surgery is related to the reconstruction methods used (for speech) and to the extent of tongue resection (for swallowing).     

Functional outcomes after laryngopharyngectomy with anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction

BACKGROUND: We examined speech and swallowing outcomes and complications in patients with anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction of cervical esophageal defects. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 29 patients treated with laryngopharyngectomy and ALT flap reconstruction at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from March 2002 to July 2004. We compared complication rates, nutritional intake, number of tracheoesophageal punctures (TEPs), speech fluency and use, operative defects, and radiotherapy effects. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had circumferential defects, and seven had partial defects. Twenty-four patients had radiotherapy. Eleven patients underwent TEP. Higher complication rates in patients after TEP compared with those without TEP were not statistically significant (p = .268). Ninety percent of patients with TEP spoke fluently. Ninety percent of all patients returned to oral alimentation without significant effect from TEP (p = 1.00), complications (p = 1.00), radiation therapy (p = 1.00), or surgical defect (p = .56). CONCLUSIONS: The ALT flap successfully reconstructs laryngopharyngeal defects with excellent speech and swallowing results.     

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.     

Adaptive mechanisms of speech and swallowing after combined jaw and tongue reconstruction in long-term survivors

Twelve patients have been studied for speech and swallowing function after major combined jaw and tongue reconstruction with the microvascular iliac bone and groin skin composite flap. Cinegraphic barium swallows demonstrated that for bolus propulsion, it is important to be able to occlude the palate with the flap. Glottic competence prevents aspiration. Speech studies show that although there is loss of certain speech sounds, approximate sounds are substituted. Speech is intelligible when soft-tissue contact to the palate can be accomplished. The adaptive mechanisms in these patients have been compared with the mechanisms used by a patient with uncorrected congenital aglossia and hypomandibulosis who developed excellent speech and swallowing. The mobility of this patient's mouth and pharynx was similar to that in the reconstructed cancer patients who were able to swallow and speak. This procedure has become our reconstruction method of choice for these major defects.     

Reconstruction of large composite buccal defects using single soft tissue flap—analysis of functional outcome

Resection of advanced gingivo‐buccal tumors results in a posterolateral mandibular and large soft tissue defect. Because of large soft tissue requirement, these defects are difficult to reconstruct using a single osteocutaneous flap. A double free flap reconstruction of such defects is recommended. However, double flap may not be feasible in certain situations. In this study, we objectively evaluated functional and cosmetic outcomes following single soft‐tissue flap reconstruction in a group of patients where double flap reconstruction was not feasible. Patient and defect characteristics were obtained from charts. The speech and swallowing functions of patients were prospectively assessed by a dedicated therapist. The cosmetic outcome of reconstruction was evaluated by an independent observer. Fifty‐six patients with large soft tissue and segmental posterolateral mandible defect, reconstructed with anterolateral thigh or pectoralis major flap from May 2009 till December 2010 were included. In this series, none of the flaps were lost; two patients with pectoralis major flap developed partial skin paddle loss. Most of the patients developed mandibular drift; however, majority of these patients had no postoperative trismus. All patients resumed regular or soft solid oral diet. The mean speech intelligibility was more than 70%. Majority of patients had satisfactory cosmetic outcome. The defects were classified into regions resected to develop a reconstruction algorithm for optimal reconstruction using a free or pedicle flap. In conclusion, patients with large oro‐mandibular defect undergoing single soft tissue flap reconstruction have satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

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。     

Reconstruction with radial forearm flaps after ablative surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND: Patients afflicted with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer must contend with both potentially poor survival prognosis and a compromised quality of remaining life. After extensive ablative surgery, it is imperative to use a reliable, low morbidity reconstructive strategy that will allow for an expedient reconstitution of speech and swallowing. METHODS: Retrospective review of the records of 28 patients who underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) between 1996 and 2001 by a single surgeon (RE). Analysis was confined to patients requiring complete tubulation of the RFFF. Perioperative mortality, morbidity, and functional evaluation based on the parameters of speech and swallowing were analyzed. RESULTS: Completely tubulated RFFF were required in 25 patients. There was 100% RFFF survival with no perioperative mortalities. The median hospital stay was 8.0 days. All patients acquired a reconstitution of oral alimentation; median time to swallowing was 18.0 days. Fourteen of 16 patients (93%) were able to rely on TEP speech as their main modality of communication. Two patients (8%) had early fistulas develop, and 5 (20%) had late fistulas develop. Nine patients (36%) required mechanical dilatation; five of the nine patients required only one dilatation. CONCLUSION: Review of our experience has confirmed the reliability and excellent functional outcome associated with this flap.     

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.     

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.     

Analysis of recurrence,complications, and functional results with free jejunal flaps

The medical records of 20 patients undergoing revascularized jejunal flap reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the incidence of distal marginal recurrence, complication rates, and success of early functional restoration. This report is one of few in the literature to address distal marginal recurrence in patients undergoing jejunal free flap reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects. In 15 evaluable patients, two (13%) developed distal marginal recurrences. Both patients had tumor involving the hypopharynx at the junction of the cervical esophagus. The major complication rate was five of 20 patients (25%) and included three flap failures, one death, and one intra-abdominal hemorrhage. The minor complication rate was 35%. The median hospital stay was 15.5 days and the median time to successful swallowing was 14.5 days. The functional success rate for swallowing was 58%. Because of the aggressive nature of this disease, we feel partial esophagectomy with jejunal flap reconstruction is warranted to achieve early functional restoration in a select group of patients when a 2-cm distal margin can be obtained above the cervical esophagus with frozen-section control, and the distal esophagus is normal. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Prevention of wound complications following salvage laryngectomy using free vascularized tissue

BACKGROUND: Total laryngectomy following radiation therapy or concurrent chemoradiation therapy is associated with unacceptably high complication rates because of wound healing difficulties. With an ever increasing reliance on organ preservation protocols as primary treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer, the surgeon must develop techniques to minimize postoperative complications in salvage laryngectomy surgery. We have developed an approach using free tissue transfer in an effort to improve tissue vascularity, reinforce the pharyngeal suture line, and minimize complications in this difficult patient population. The purpose of this study was to outline our technique and determine the effectiveness of this new approach. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospective cohort and compared it with a historical group (surgical patients of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)-91-11 trial). Eligibility criteria for this study included patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy following failed attempts at organ preservation with either high-dose radiotherapy or concurrent chemo/radiation therapy regimen. Patients were excluded if the surgical defect required a skin paddle for pharyngeal closure. The prospective cohort consisted of 14 consecutive patients (10 males, 4 females; mean age, 58 years) who underwent free tissue reinforcement of the pharyngeal suture line following total laryngectomy. The historical comparison group consisted of 27 patients in the concomitant chemoradiotherapy arm of the RTOG-91-11 trial who met the same eligibility criteria (26 males, 1 female; mean age, 57 years) but did not undergo free tissue transfer or other form of suture line reinforcement. Minimum follow-up in both groups was 12 months. RESULTS: The overall pharyngocutaneous fistula rate was similar between groups-4/14 (29%) in the flap group, compared with 8/27 (30%) in the RTOG-91-11 group. There were no major wound complications in the flap group, compared with 4 (4/27, 14.8%) in the RTOG-91-11 group. There were no major fistulas in the flap group, compared with 3/27 (11.1%) in the RTOG-91-11 group. The rate of pharyngeal stricture requiring dilation was 6/14 (42%) in the flap group, compared with 7/27 (25.9%) in the RTOG-91-11 group. In our patients, the rate of tracheoesophageal speech was 14/14 (100%), and complete oral intake was achieved in 13/14 (93%) patients. Voice-Related Quality of Life Measure (V-RQOL) and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HN) scores suggest that speech and swallowing functions are reasonable following free flap reinforcement. CONCLUSIONS: Free vascularized tissue reinforcement of primary pharyngeal closure in salvage laryngectomy following failed organ preservation is effective in preventing major wound complications but did not reduce the overall fistula rate. Fistulas that developed following this technique were relatively small, did not result in exposed major vessels, and were effectively treated with outpatient wound care rather than readmission to the hospital or return to operating room. Speech and swallowing results following this technique were comparable to those following total laryngectomy alone.     

Medialization thyroplasty for cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To justify the application of medialization thyroplasty in Chinese patients with symptomatic cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective chart review from February 2000 to March 2006. RESULTS: Eighty-seven Chinese patients undergoing medialization thyroplasty for UVFP were included; there were no significant differences between the cancer-related and benign groups in terms of the speech and swallowing rehabilitation outcome and the perioperative complication rate (P > 0.05). The median survival time of cancer-related UVFP patients from the date of medialization to death was 129 days. Age more than 65 years was identified as the only factor for a shorter survival period after medialization (P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Medialization thyroplasty restores satisfactory speech and swallowing and has a low perioperative complication rate in Chinese patients with cancer-related UVFP. Postmedialization survival period was also reasonable. SIGNIFICANCE: Medialization thyroplasty is a justifiable treatment option for cancer-related UVFP.     

Tongue reconstruction with a combined brachioradialis-radial forearm flap

Total glossectomy adversely affects speech and swallowing, and subsequent reconstruction results in limited functional return. The radial forearm flap has been reliably used to resurface glossectomy defects, but has limited bulk with which to aid in palatoglossal contact for speech. The authors have modified the forearm flap by incorporating a segment of brachioradialis muscle, to increase bulk posteriorly and to aid in speech. Sufficient muscle perforators arise from the proximal brachial artery and enter the brachioradialis to permit transfer of the muscle with the fasciocutaneous forearm flap as a single free-flap unit. The muscle is folded onto itself and enclosed within the forearm flap skin to create a neotongue. Coaptation of the antebrachial cutaneous nerves can provide a senate flap. Successful transfer of the combined brachioradialis/forearm flap in a patient who had undergone total glossectomy resulted in a neotongue good shape. Speech was rated good by a speech pathologist, and palatoglossal contact was observed on cineoradiograph. No functional loss at the donor site occurred. Inclusion of the brachioradialis muscle with the radial forearm flap as a combined unit results in a neotongue with good form and increased bulk posteriorly at the base, compared to a standard fasciocutaneous flap alone. This is a useful variation of the forearm flap. Sensory return is possible if the medial and/or lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves of the flap are coapted to the lingual nerve.     

Reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects in cancer surgery: do we have a choice?

Between 1982 and 1985, 83 patients with hypopharyngeal or extensive laryngeal cancers underwent pharyngoesophagectomy (48 patients), circumferential pharyngectomy (8 patients), and partial pharyngectomy (27 patients), depending on the site and extent of tumor involvement. The resultant hypopharyngeal defects were reconstructed with gastric transposition, a tubed pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, and a pectoralis major flap patch, respectively. There were three hospital deaths in the gastric transposition group (6 percent) and none in both pectoralis major flap groups. The leakage rate was 8.3 percent in the gastric transposition group, 25 percent in the tubed pectoralis major flap group, and 3.7 percent in the pectoralis major flap patch group. Stricture was avoided with the interdigitation technique used at the tubed-flap-to-esophagus anastomosis, although the fistula rate was high. The overall complication rate was higher with gastric transposition. Although swallowing was satisfactory in all three groups, 42 percent of the patients with gastric transposition experienced regurgitation. Over a follow-up period of 16 to 50 months the local recurrence rate was 5 percent, and the actuarial survival rate was 55 percent at 24 months.     

Fasciocutaneous free flaps for hypopharyngeal reconstruction

Considerable controversy persists regarding the optimal technique for hypopharyngeal reconstruction. The ideal procedure should provide low mortality and morbidity, short hospitalization, a high success rate, few complications, and the greatest potential for neopharyngeal speech and deglutition. In this study, a variety of fasciocutaneous free flaps were used for reconstruction of the hypopharynx. Over a two-year period, fasciocutaneous flaps were used for reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal segments following total laryngopharyngectomies in 16 patients at The National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Flap survival, recipient vessels used, and complications were examined. The ultimate functional and cosmetic outcomes of free flaps were compared. Of the 16 patients included in this study, nine were males, and seven were females. Free flaps used for reconstruction included the radial forearm (8), lateral arm (2), anterolateral thigh (3), and posterolateral thigh (3) flaps. Free flaps were successful in 15 patients. One patient had total flap loss. Salvage surgery was successful for one flap that developed venous congestion. Eleven patients received adjuvant radiation therapy. The commonly used recipient vessels were the small arteries of the neck and the external jugular vein. Five patients developed minor pharyngocutaneous fistulas that healed spontaneously. Six patients developed anastomotic line stricture. Donor-site morbidity was more significant with the radial forearm flap, compared to other flaps. Fasciocutaneous free flaps have a definite place in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. The flap should be selected with reference to the type of the defect and patient obesity; however, donor-site morbidity should also be considered.