The Role of Tongue Revascularization in Oncologic Resection and Reconstruction

Abstract

Simultaneous sacrifice of both lingual arteries usually leads to critical compromise of the tongue’s vascular supply and ischemic necrosis.1 As a result, simultaneous sacrifice of both lingual arteries has almost uniformly necessitated a total glossectomy.2 Although the bilateral facial arteries provide a minor vascular contribution to the tongue, situations where tongue remnants are preserved after bilateral lingual artery sacrifice usually result in eventual partial or total necrosis and sloughing of the tongue remnant. In scenarios where useful tongue tissue remains, revascularization of the devitalized remnant should be considered. The purpose of this article is review the available literature in this regard and to report a case of bilateral lingual artery sacrifice due to tumor involvement, with successful lingual artery interposition graft revascularization of the tongue.