Assessment of Quality of Life of Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of Tissue Defects of Total or Near-Total Glossectomy.

Sanke Zhang,Lei Liu,Wenlu Li,Shuang Wu,Dandan Zhu,Qiuyu Zhu

doi:10.1155/2020/2920418

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life of free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTFF) for reconstruction of tissue defects of total or near-total glossectomy. Methods Quality of life was assessed by means of the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) and the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), after 12 months postoperatively. Results 65 of 79 questionnaires were returned (82.27%). In the UW-QOL, the best-scoring domain was “shoulder,” whereas the lowest scores were for “chewing” and “pain.” In the OHIP-14, the lowest-scoring domain was “handicap,” followed by “Social disability” and “Psychological disability.” Conclusion Free anterolateral thigh perforator flaps for reconstruction of total or near-total glossectomy defects after cancer resection would have significantly influenced the patients' oral functions and quality of life.

Highlights

Tongue cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region
E remaining patients received a formal letter explaining the study, an informed consent form, and the University of Washington quality of life (UW-QoL)/the 14item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). ose patients who did not reply within one month received a reminder
65 of the 79 questionnaires (82.27%) were completed, SF-36 and OHIP-14, at one or two time points during the treatment and follow-up periods. e time needed for completing both questionnaires is very acceptable and makes it feasible to use them in clinical studies

Summary

Introduction

Tongue cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region. Radical resection affects all oral functions and can result in subsequent problems. Depending on the location and size of the tongue tumor, radical surgical treatment often affects all oral functions, such as speech, swallowing, chewing, oral rehabilitation, nutrition, and appearance [1]. E free anterolateral thigh perforator flaps first reported by Song [4] in 1984 has gained popularity in oral cavity reconstructions. It has some advantages, including a long pedicle with a suitable vessel diameter, the availability of different tissues with large amounts of skin, and its adaptability as a sensate or flow-through flap if necessary [5, 6]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion