Premium
Tongue reconstruction with the gracilis myocutaneous free flap
Author(s) -
Calabrese Luca,
Saito Akira,
Navach Valeria,
Bruschini Roberto,
Saito Noriko,
Zurlo Valeria,
Ostuni Angelo,
Garusi Cristina
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.20885
Subject(s) - medicine , glossectomy , tongue , reinnervation , surgery , free flap , gracilis muscle , reconstructive surgery , pathology
We describe our experience in tongue reconstruction using the transverse gracilis myocutaneous (TMG) free flap after major demolitive surgery for advanced cancer. This technique was used in 10 patients: seven underwent total glossectomy and three partial glossectomy. In eight patients we performed motor reinnervation attempting to maintain muscular trophism and gain long‐term volumetric stability. The follow‐up period ranged from 6 to 28 months. The overall flap survival was 100%. Nine out of 10 patients resumed oral intake. Our preliminary experience shows that this flap is a good reconstructive option for total glossectomy patients, whereas it is less suited for reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects. Functional and objective evaluation of the tongue reconstructed with TMG free flap requires further and standardized evaluation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.