The impact of dynamic tongue reconstruction using functional muscle transfer: A retrospective review of 94 cases with functional outcome analysis for various glossectomy defects

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of dynamic tongue reconstruction in various types of glossectomy defects. A retrospective review of patients who underwent tongue reconstruction following cancer resection was performed. Patients were divided into two groups by the type of procedure: dynamic reconstruction using motor-innervated free flaps and conventional reconstruction with fasciocutaneous free flaps. Demographics, including patient and tumor characteristics, and surgical factors, including the type of glossectomy and flap, were investigated. Functional outcomes were compared through quantitative assessment of tongue movement, speech capacity, videofluoroscopic barium swallow, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube dependency. 94 patients were enrolled in this study. The conventional reconstruction was performed in 52 patients and dynamic reconstruction was performed in 42 patients. Overall, the dynamic group showed improved swallowing capacity (videofluoroscopic swallowing scale, mean ± standard deviation, dynamic group, 3.24 ± 0.79, versus conventional group, 2.88 ± 1.08; p = 0.07). No significant differences in tongue motion and speech outcomes were noted between the groups. In multivariate logistic analysis controlling of various confounders, the dynamic reconstruction was significantly related to improved swallowing outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 0.148; 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.725; p = 0.018). Dynamic reconstruction was not significantly related to the rate of PEG tube dependency. Within the limitations of the study, it seems that the dynamic tongue reconstruction using motor innervated free flaps can improve swallowing outcome by reproducing the original sling action of tongue musculature and preserving the tongue volume.