Infrahyoid Myocutaneous Flap Versus Radial Forearm Free Flap in Treating Patients with cT1-2 Tongue Carcinoma

Abstract

Our goal was to compare clinical and functional results of the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap (IMF) with those of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for partial tongue reconstruction. Between January 2005 and June 2012, patients who had received an IMF or a RFFF reconstruction for cT1-2 tongue carcinoma were included, their medical records were reviewed, and they were asked to complete the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QoL) version 4 questionnaire at least 12 months postoperatively. Compared to patients with a RFFF reconstruction, patients treated with an IMF had significantly shorter operation time (p<0.001), less hospital cost (p<0.001) and shorter postoperative stay (p<0.001). There were no apparent differences in other scales between the two groups. The mean composite score for the two groups was 88.4 (SD: 14.9) and 86.4 (SD: 15.3), respectively, the finding was not significant (p=0.784). Patients with an IMF reconstruction had significantly better shoulder function, there were no significant differences regarding other domains between the two groups. Compared to RFFF, IMF was a reliable procedure for partial tongue reconstruction.