Subtotal Glossectomy Research Articles

5年間にわたり構音機能の経時変化を検討した舌亜全摘出術施行例の1例

広範囲の舌切除を受けた舌癌術後症例1例の5年間の構音機能の経時的変化について，ビデオ検査，発語明瞭度検査および舌超音波検査を用いて検討したので報告した。症例は50歳の男性。T3N0M0の診断の下，術前照射および舌亜全摘出・左側保存的頸部郭清術・腹直筋皮弁による口腔再建術を受けた。術後経過は良好だったが，本人がサ行やラ行の発音を気にしたため当科にて構音訓練を継続した。術後4か月，術後1年2か月，2年5か月，5年4か月時に，ビデオ検査，発話明瞭度検査を行った。また超音波診断装置による舌運動の観察（以下舌超音波検査）は実施可能となった術後2年5か月，5年4か月時に行った。その結果，発語明瞭度検査の総合正答率は，術後4か月時に比べ術後1年2か月以降で改善し，その後は維持されていた。舌前方音の正答率は経過とともに低下したが，舌後方音の正答率は上昇した。舌超音波検査では，術後2年5か月時に比べ5年4か月時は再建舌の縮小がみられたが，再建舌の左右にはねる運動が消失し，残存舌と連動した上前方への運動量の増加傾向がみられた。以上より，術後経過に伴い再建舌の縮小がみられたが，代償的に舌後方部の運動量が増加し，正常に近い構音機能が維持されたと考えられた。

Rare case of composite embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma of the tongue of an adult

The differential diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), pleomorphic sarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma remains a challenge because of their overlapping histological presentations, with serious implications on the choice of treatment. We report a rare case of a tumor confined to the tongue in a 22-year-old woman. Clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical data confirmed the diagnosis of a composite tumor of embryonal RMS and leiomyosarcoma based on the presence of spindle-shaped cells within a myxoid background of spherical cells and immunoreactivity to muscle-specific markers (desmin, smooth-muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, myoglobin, and vimentin), RMS-specific myogenin, and leiomyosarcoma-specific h-caldesmon. The lack of immunoreactivity to S-100 and cytokeratin antibodies suggested the absence of melanoma and pleomorphic sarcoma, respectively. Presurgical treatment with a single round of broad-spectrum MAID (mesna, pirarubicin, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine) adjuvant therapy for the advanced soft tissue sarcoma allowed the growth of the tumor from 45mm×38mm×25mm to 45mm×40mm×40mm. Thereafter, subtotal glossectomy was performed. Based on the strong immunoreactivity of the tumor to myogenin, the patient received RMS-specific VAC (vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy over 6 months. However, metastases to the lungs led to the patient's death. This case highlights the danger of “overdiagnosing” a patient, and the need to select a broad-spectrum adjuvant whenever a diagnosis of composite sarcoma is suspected.

Functional reconstruction of subtotal glossectomy defects with radial forearm free flap: case report and review of literature

Adequate reconstruction of defects that are consequences of glossectomy is of primary importance for achieving satisfactory functional results and improving the quality of life. The aim of this study was to report a case of free flap reconstruction of a subtotal glossectomy defect and discuss it in relation to other available methods. A 48-year-old woman was operated on for a T4N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. A subtotal glossectomy via mandibular swing procedure with bilateral supraomohyoid neck dissection and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) was performed. Surgery was followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. The post-operative period was uneventful. The patient resumed intelligible speech evaluated as "excellent" and oral feeding. The donor site morbidity was acceptable. Present reconstructive options of the tongue include two categories: to maintain mobility or to provide bulk. In glossectomy with 30 to 50 percent preservation of the original musculature, maintaining the mobility of the remaining tongue by a thin, pliable flap is preferred. This can be achieved by infrahyoid myofascial, medial sural artery perforator flap, RFFF, anterolateral thigh and ulnar forearm flap. When the post-resectional volume is less than 30 percent of the original tongue, the reconstruction shifts to restoration of bulk to facilitate swallowing by providing contact of the neotongue with the palate. Flaps providing bulk include the free TRAM flap, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap, pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap and trapezius island flap. Surgical treatment of advanced tongue cancer requires adequate reconstruction with restoration of speech, swallowing and oral feeding. Free tissue transfer seems to achieve superior functional results with acceptable donor site morbidity when indicated.

Management of chylous fistula after neck dissection using negative‐pressure wound therapy: A preliminary report

Chylous fistula is a distressing complication resulting from thoracic duct injury during neck dissections. We have successfully managed chylous fistula using negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in a case where all conservative treatments failed. A 60-year-old man with tongue cancer underwent subtotal glossectomy and bilateral neck dissections. On postoperative day 4, a chylous fistula with large drainage developed in the right neck. Conservative treatments were not effective, therefore, NPWT was started from postoperative day 9. The drainage volume then began to decrease, and the chylous fistula was closed 6 days after starting NPWT. In our case, the effects of wound shrinkage and fluid removal by NPWT were considered to contribute to early closure. Although preliminary, NPWT can be an important treatment choice for the management of a chylous fistula after neck dissections.

Total or subtotal glossectomy with microsurgical reconstruction: Functional and oncological results

Management of patients after total or subtotal glossectomy presents challenging reconstruction of complex three-dimensional defects. Such defects can have a dramatic effect on respiration, speech, and nutrition, and may significantly impact quality of life. We present our experience with 39 patients submitted to total or subtotal glossectomy and reconstruction with microsurgical flaps. Functional results are reported in term of swallowing ability, decannulation, and intelligible speech. Oncological outcomes are described in terms of local disease control and overall survival rate. We carried out 24 total glossectomies and 15 subtotal glossectomies. Total glossectomy was associated with a total laryngectomy in eight patients. Reconstruction was performed using Taylor's myocutaneous extended deep inferior epigastric flap in 33 patients, and an anterolateral thigh perforator flap in six patients. A fibula osteocutaneous free flap was raised in two patients with an anterior segmental mandibulectomy. A second free flap was needed in three cases. Wound complications occurred in 17 patients: an orocutaneous fistula in eight patients and a dehiscence of the suture without fistulization in nine patients. Oral feeding was resumed in 33 patients (85%). In nonlaryngectomized patients, decannulation was achieved in 28 (90%) and speech was good or acceptable in 27 (87%). The 5-year adjusted survival for patients treated with total or subtotal glossectomy was 47%. Our results in a relatively large sample of patients who underwent total or subtotal glossectomy followed by reconstruction with microsurgical free flaps support the efficacy of this surgery as treatment for advanced oral and oral pharyngeal cancers.

Deep inferior epigastric artery perforated rectus abdominis free flap for head and neck reconstruction

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforated rectus abdominis (DIEAP-ra) free flap is a modification of the classic myocutaneous DIEA free flap in which only fasciocutaneous tissue is harvested based on the paraumbilical perforators of the medial row. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe our experience with this reconstructive technique in head and neck surgery. Between 2004 and 2009, 24 patients affected by oncologic maxillofacial, skull base, oral, and oropharyngeal defects were submitted to reconstruction with DIEAP-ra. After harvesting the DIEAP-ra, the longitudinally split muscular belly was sutured and the anterior rectus sheath closed with a nonabsorbable mattress suture without inlay mesh interposition. Surgical defects encompassed half of the hard palate in ten patients, orbit and part of the cranial vault in one, radical extended parotidectomy in four, subtotal glossectomy in seven, and total glossectomy in two cases. The only complete flap necrosis (4%) developed as a consequence of an orocutaneous fistula and required a second latissimus dorsi free flap. Another case (4%) developed a partial necrosis for oropharyngeal fistula after total glossectomy that healed after transposition of a pedicled myofascial pectoralis major. Two patients (8%) presented a minor salivary fistula that healed by medication alone. No major complication of the donor site was observed. DIEAP-ra is a valid alternative to the DIEA free flap when applied to complex maxillofacial or tongue major defects. Its greatest advantages are the reduced donor site morbidity and a more adjustable thickness of the skin paddle, particularly in females and obese patients.

The Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator (DIEAP) Flap for Total Glossectomy Reconstruction

Total or subtotal glossectomy following the resection of intraoral tumors causes significant morbidity. However, which reconstructive technique is the most successful remains controversial. After approval by the Ethics Committee, charts were reviewed retrospectively for patients treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, University Hospital La Paz (Madrid, Spain), during a 3-year period (2005-2008). All were reconstructed with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap after total glossectomy. Data collected included affiliation data, extent of extirpation, type of reconstruction, and surgical outcome, including donor-site morbidity, complications, and functional results. Seven patients (5 men, 71.4%; 2 women, 28.6%) with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue underwent total glossectomy and simultaneous microsurgical reconstruction with a DIEAP flap. In all cases, the flap was harvested with a fusiform shape oriented craniocaudally and limited to zone 1. The average size of the flap was 16.7 × 7.2 cm. Functional outcome related to swallowing was poor; 57.1% of the patients required a permanent gastrostomy. Speech was considered intelligible in 85.7% of cases by 2 independent observers. The surgical outcome was uneventful in most of the cases, with only 1 case of local dehiscence at the mouth floor. None of the cases developed abdominal wall dehiscence or an abdominal hernia at mid- or long-term follow-up. The DIEAP flap is a reliable alternative for tongue reconstruction. It provides a large volume of soft tissue for transfer and is predictable and stable over time with low donor-site morbidity.

S20. Challenges in rehabilitation after sub-total and total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation

S20. Challenges in rehabilitation after sub-total and total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation

Second primary squamous cell carcinoma arising in the skin of a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap 12 years after floor of mouth reconstruction

Second primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the skin of a flap used for reconstruction of floor of mouth is rare. A case of SCC arising in the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap that was used to reconstruct the floor of mouth 12years after subtotal glossectomy and resection of the floor of mouth is reported. The tumour is a second primary SCC arises in the skin of a myocutaneous flap without any obvious risk factors. Review of the literature reveals four previous similar reports and the findings are summarized. In summary, squamous epithelium of the skin flap after prolonged exposure to non-physiological stimuli may lead to metaplasia and possible carcinoma formation. Long-term follow up and awareness of this complication are needed for head and neck cancer patients after resection and reconstruction.

Total glossectomy in the organ preservation era

Total or subtotal glossectomy is considered a highly morbid procedure. However, in some institutions and in selected cases of unsuccessful chemoradiation regimens, it is performed with acceptable oncological and functional outcomes. Chemoradiation for advanced oral and oropharyngeal cancers is also highly morbid and some authors reported reasonable functional results after major glossectomies. Also, there is a lack of prospective trials comparing the long-term outcome between chemoradiation and major glossectomies. Total and/or subtotal glossectomies with immediate reconstruction can be performed in highly selected patients with advanced oral or base of the tongue carcinomas, as a primary or salvage procedure, with acceptable outcomes.

Loss of vision after anaesthesia for nonophthalmic surgery: a persistent problem

Loss of vision after anaesthesia for nonophthalmic surgery: a persistent problem

Retrospective Evaluation of Lingual Tumors in 42 Dogs: 1999–2005

In this retrospective study of 42 cases of lingual tumors in dogs, 27 (64%) were malignant, and 15 (36%) were benign. Median survival time for dogs with benign tumors was >1607 days, compared to 286 days for malignant tumors. Prognostic factors significantly associated with increased survival included complete histological margins (P=0.036), smaller tumor size (P=0.003), and benign tumor type (P=0.011). Smaller tumors were more likely to be completely resected (P=0.008) and were less likely to recur (P=0.001). Partial or subtotal glossectomies were performed in 13 cases. Short-term morbidity associated with glossectomy included ptyalism and dehiscence. Long-term morbidity included minor changes in eating and drinking habits.

Speech Evaluation After Palatal Augmentation in Patients Undergoing Glossectomy

To assess, in patients undergoing glossectomy, the influence of the palatal augmentation prosthesis on the speech intelligibility and acoustic spectrographic characteristics of the formants of oral vowels in Brazilian Portuguese, specifically the first 3 formants (F1 [/a,e,u/], F2 [/o,ó,u/], and F3 [/a,ó/]). Speech evaluation with and without a palatal augmentation prosthesis using blinded randomized listener judgments. Tertiary referral center. Thirty-six patients (33 men and 3 women) aged 30 to 80 (mean [SD], 53.9 [10.5]) years underwent glossectomy (14, total glossectomy; 12, total glossectomy and partial mandibulectomy; 6, hemiglossectomy; and 4, subtotal glossectomy) with use of the augmentation prosthesis for at least 3 months before inclusion in the study. Spontaneous speech intelligibility (assessed by expert listeners using a 4-category scale) and spectrographic formants assessment. We found a statistically significant improvement of spontaneous speech intelligibility and the average number of correctly identified syllables with the use of the prosthesis (P < .05). Statistically significant differences occurred for the F1 values of the vowels /a,e,u/; for F2 values, there was a significant difference of the vowels /o,ó,u/; and for F3 values, there was a significant difference of the vowels /a,ó/ (P < .001). The palatal augmentation prosthesis improved the intelligibility of spontaneous speech and syllables for patients who underwent glossectomy. It also increased the F2 and F3 values for all vowels and the F1 values for the vowels /o,ó,u/. This effect brought the values of many vowel formants closer to normal.

Poster 037: Total or Subtotal Glossectomy and Reconstruction of Defect Without Splitting Lip and Mandible

Poster 037: Total or Subtotal Glossectomy and Reconstruction of Defect Without Splitting Lip and Mandible

Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flaps in head and neck reconstruction

The advantage of free perforator flaps versus free musculocutaneous flaps is the reduced morbidity of the donor site with preservation of nerves, muscles and deep fascia. In this study, we evaluated the reconstruction results of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) free flaps in the head and neck. A retrospective review was performed of 12 patients with head and neck tumor ablation defects that were reconstructed with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) free flaps between January 2004 and December 2006. Reconstruction outcomes and complications were measured. Recipient sites were subdivided into defects of total or subtotal glossectomy (N=6), three-dimensional defects of midface (N=3), through and through defects of the cheek (N=2), and anterior skull base resection with an external skin component defect (N=1).The overall free flap success rate was 92% (11/12). One DIEAP free flap was lost because the draining jugular vein thrombosed. No complications were observed in the donor site, including abdominal bulge or hernia. Due to the advantage of minimum donor site morbidity, the DIEAP free flap is a new and reliable reconstruction choice for head and neck surgical defects.

Functional Reconstruction of Glossectomy Defects: The Vertical Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous Neotongue

The vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous (VRAM) flap is a valuable option for tongue reconstruction. However, the traditional inset (skin to remaining oral mucosa) obviates a more anatomic reconstruction. Eight patients underwent total or subtotal glossectomy with VRAM reconstruction. The muscle inset was supported at the inferior mandibular border attached to the remaining lingual mucosa or gingiva. The neotongue, consisting of skin and subcutaneous fat, was sutured posteriorly to the remaining tongue base, and the other surfaces were trimmed and left unsutured. Reconstruction was successful in all patients. The neotongue assumed palatal configuration, and within 2 weeks uniform granulation tissue followed by mucosalization occurred. One year postoperatively, all patients tolerated ad lib diets, spoke intelligibly, were gastrostomy tube and tracheotomy free and had no evidence of aspiration. This neotongue sits on the mandible under voluntary control, permitting effective obturation against the hard palate and providing successful speech and swallowing.

A new flap design for tongue reconstruction after total or subtotal glossectomy in thin patients

For tongue reconstruction after total or subtotal glossectomy, a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is often used to obtain sufficient flap volume. However, thin patients often have too little fat tissue to ensure adequate flap volume. For this reason we developed a new flap design to compensate for insufficient flap volume in thin patients. In this series, total or subtotal glossectomy was performed in 20 thin men with a mean age of 58.3 years. The patients had a mean body mass index of 18.22 kg/m(2) and most were considered emaciated. The defects were reconstructed using a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap with two skin islands. The first skin island was used to reconstruct the mucosal defect, and the second was de-epithelialised and used to increase flap volume. Flaps were transferred successfully in 19 out of 20 patients. Most patients could tolerate more than a soft diet without severe aspiration and could engage in conversation. However, four patients required total laryngectomy or a permanent stoma owing to severe aspiration. In this series, the larynx could be preserved in 80% of thin patients, and satisfactory postoperative oral function was obtained. The most important point for obtaining satisfactory oral function is to reconstruct a tongue with a protuberant shape and sufficient volume. We could maintain sufficient flap volume with the de-epithelialised skin island of a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap. We believe our new flap design is effective for tongue reconstruction in thin patients.

A Comparative Anatomical Study of Brachioradialis and Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Muscles: Implications for Total Tongue Reconstruction

Total or subtotal glossectomy following resection of intraoral tumors causes significant morbidity. Recent surgical endeavors have focused on the creation of a neotongue with both sensory and motor innervation. Although various local or regional free flaps have been used for this purpose, the optimal donor site remains undecided. The authors compared the neurovascular anatomy of the brachioradialis and flexor carpi ulnaris to assess their suitability as donor muscles together with overlying skin for functional total or subtotal tongue reconstruction. Eighty-eight brachioradialis and 80 flexor carpi ulnaris muscles were studied, comprising 120 dissected specimens, 18 arterial studies, two venous studies, 20 histologic studies, and eight neurovascular studies. The dominant vascular pattern of the brachioradialis varied. The major pedicle arose from the radial (38 percent), radial recurrent (42 percent), and brachial arteries (20 percent). The muscle also lacked a single neurovascular pedicle. The vasculature of the flexor carpi ulnaris was consistent. The ulnar artery supplied the dominant pedicle in 86 percent of cases. The entry point of motor innervation is near that of the vascular pedicles. A minor distal nerve accompanied the main vascular pedicle in 65 percent of cases. The overlying skin was supplied by musculocutaneous perforators. The lower lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm supplied the skin over the brachioradialis, and the medial cutaneous nerves of the arm and forearm provided sensation over the flexor carpi ulnaris. The authors delineated the anatomical advantages of the flexor carpi ulnaris over the brachioradialis for total or subtotal tongue reconstruction.

Functional outcome after total and subtotal glossectomy with free flap reconstruction

The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative oral functions of patients who had undergone total or subtotal (75%) glossectomy with preservation of the larynx for oral squamous cell carcinomas. Speech intelligibility and swallowing capacity of 17 patients who had been treated between 1992 and 2002 were scored and classified using standard protocols 6 to 36 months postoperatively. The outcomes were finally rated as good, acceptable, or poor. The 4-year disease-specific survival rate was 64%. Speech intelligibility and swallowing capacity were satisfactory (acceptable or good) in 82.3%. Only 3 patients were still dependent on tube feeding. Good speech perceptibility did not always go together with normal diet tolerance, however. Our satisfactory results are attributable to the use of large, voluminous soft tissue flaps for reconstruction, and to the instigation of postoperative swallowing and speech therapy on a routine basis and at an early juncture.

Reconstruction of the marginal mandibulectomy defect: an update

Objective The purpose of this study is to provide an update to the reconstructive management of the marginal mandibulectomy defect. Study design Twenty-six consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. Methods Patient and tumor variables were extracted from the medical record. Outcomes that were examined included method of reconstruction, frequency of osteoradionecrosis, and resumption of an oral diet. Results Fifteen (57.7%), 8 (30.8%), and 3 (11.5%) patients were reconstructed with a skin graft, primary closure, or a radial forearm free flap, respectively. Indications for a radial forearm free flap were reconstruction of an associated subtotal glossectomy defect, a through-and-through cheek defect, and a maxillectomy defect. Five patients reconstructed with a skin graft also received postoperative radiation therapy. One (20%) developed osteoradionecrosis. Excluding patients with recurrent tumors (n = 5) or osteoradionecrosis (n = 1), all patients at last follow-up were maintaining an oral diet. Conclusions Skin graft remains a preferred method of reconstruction for the marginal mandibular defect. A free flap is reserved for those marginal defects where additional soft tissue is needed to reconstruct subtotal glossectomy defects or defects of the midface and/or maxilla. Because of the potentially increased risk of osteoradionecrosis, reconstruction with a free flap instead of a skin graft should be considered if a patient will receive postoperative radiation therapy.