Abstract
To explore the effect of lingual artery ligation on tongue vascularity, we performed an analysis of 25 patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery for base of tongue cancers (May 2011 to December 2019). Hounsfield units of the intrinsic muscles (IMs) and genioglossus muscles (GGs) were measured in postoperative imaging (mean 4 months) as a surrogate for vascularity. In ligated patients (n = 15), the values from the ligated/resected side of the tongue were compared with the contralateral side and the nonligated side of resection. Individually, IMs and GGs on the ligated side demonstrated no significant difference to the contralateral side (P = .662 and .618, respectively). Ligation produced a significant decrease in IM measurements but no difference between GG values vs nonligated patients (P = .050 and .818, respectively). No difference was appreciated in mean values for combined IMs and GGs between cohorts (P = .212). No gross tongue atrophy or complications were incurred. Future studies are warranted to delineate long-term effects.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
