P0163 Free thin anterolateral thigh flap versus free radial forearm reconstruction after hemiglossectomy: A functional assessment

Abstract

Background We aimed to compare free thin anterolateral flap with free radial forearm flap in the reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects, and to introduce our methods and experiences in the tongue reconstruction with the free thin anterolateral flap. Methods Clinicopathological data from 46 cases with tongue carcinoma were obtained from the Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School from December 2009, to December 2013. All patients initially underwent hemiglossectomy, immediately followed by the reconstruction with free thin anterolateral thigh flap or free radial forearm flap. We compared the incidence of vascular crisis, speech, swallowing, and donor site morbidity between these two methods. Findings 12 patients had undergone reconstruction after hemiglossectomy with free thin anterolateral thigh flap; 34 patients had undergone reconstruction with free radial forearm flap. No obvious differences were noted in the incidence of vascular crisis, speech, and swallowing, were found between the two groups. In the free thin anterolateral thigh flap group, flap survival was 100%; In the free radial forearm flap group, flap survival was 97.1%. Interpretation Free thin anterolateral thigh flap could an alternative to free radial forearm flap for hemiglossectomy defect reconstruction given its versatility in design, long pedicle with a suitable vessel diameter, and negligible donor site morbidity.