Objective: To investigate the value of microsurgical reconstruction of the tongue after hemiglossectomy with lateral arm free flaps in the treatment of tongue cancer.
Methods: From October 2006 to April 2007, ten patients underwent simultaneous reconstruction of the tongue and oral floor defects with lateral arm free flaps after resection of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue in our hospital. The flaps ranged from 8 cm x 5 cm to 9 cm x 6 cm in size, and were adjusted to the defect of the tongue. The vascular pedicle included the posterior radial collateral artery and the accompanying veins. The outcome of reconstruction was evaluated by follow-up examinations, including the contour and mobility of the reconstructed tongue, the swallowing function and the speech function.
Results: All patients recovered uneventfully from surgery, without any major postoperative complications. The transplanted flaps survived. During follow-up period the contour of the reconstructed tongues was satisfactory. The patients demonstrated good functional mobility of the reconstructed and remaining tongue. Postoperatively, the swallowing and speech function was nearly at normal levels and the patients could ingest a solid or semisolid diet.
Conclusions: Microvascular reconstruction of the tongue with lateral arm free flaps after hemiglossectomy is an ideal and safe method, but long term results need to be further studied.