Functional tongue reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh flap

Xue Wang,Guangqi Yan,Guirong Zhang,Yang Zhang,Jiqiang Li,Jihui Liu

doi:10.1186/1477-7819-11-303

Abstract

BackgroundA retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the advantages of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in tongue reconstruction.MethodFrom September 2008 to February 2012, patients receiving ALT flap tongue reconstruction were included in the study. Patients undergoing ALT flap were compared with those undergoing similar surgery with radial forearm flap (RFF). The medical records of the included patients were reviewed, and a questionnaire was used to assess acceptability of the surgery.ResultsAll flaps (both ALT and RFF) were successful In the ALT group, most patients were satisfied with the appearance of the reconstructed tongue and the intelligibility of their speech, and there were fewer complications with this technique compared with the RFF.ConclusionThe ALT flap is an ideal method for tongue reconstruction. The thickness and volume of the ALT flap can be adjusted based on the individual extent of the defect, and it can not only provide bulk but also ensure mobility, and it has other advantages also, including a long pedicle and low donor site morbidity.

Highlights

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the advantages of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in tongue reconstruction
All flaps were successful In the ALT group, most patients were satisfied with the appearance of the reconstructed tongue and the intelligibility of their speech, and there were fewer complications with this technique compared with the radial forearm flap (RFF)
The thickness and volume of the ALT flap can be adjusted based on the individual extent of the defect, and it can provide bulk and ensure mobility, and it has other advantages including a long pedicle and low donor site morbidity

Summary

Introduction

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the advantages of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in tongue reconstruction. There are many methods suitable for defects after ablative surgery or for small or mid-sized defects, including primary closure or local flaps. The tongue plays a key role in speech and deglutition, the ideal reconstructive method should provide satisfactory structural cosmesis, and good restoration of function. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap was first described by Song et al in 1984 [2]. Wei et al [3] reported that the failure rate of the ALT free flap was less than 2%, and they concluded that the ALT flap could replace most other flaps for soft tissue, because of the availability of a long pedicle with a suitable vessel diameter, versatility in design, and low donor site morbidity.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion