ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical applicability and outcomes of the combined radical operation without breaking the lower lip and mandible with one-stage reconstruction using free anterolateral thigh flap for tongue and lingual root carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The operation with or without breaking lower lip and mandible was performed respectively in 245 patients (experimental group) and 120 patients (control group).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Removal of tumor and neck dissection were conducted successfully in all patients of two groups with no serious postoperative complication. With the follows-up of 6 to 36 months, in the patients of experimental group there was no recurrence for primary sites but 3 cases with neck lymphnode recurrence, the functions of chewing, swallowing and speaking were good, there was no damage to appearance, and no osteoradionecrosis occurred in the lymphnode positive cases after radiotherapy; in the patients of experimental group there was no recurrence for primary sites but 4 cases with neck lymphnode recurrence, the functions of chewing, swallowing and speaking were good, but there was apparent scar in neck and face, and osteoradionecrosis occurred in 11 of lymphnode positive cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The combined radical operation without breaking the lower lip and mandible with one-stage reconstruction using free anterolateral thigh flap is feasible for tongue and lingual root carcinoma (T2-T3), which reduces the risk for osteoradionecrosis in lymphnode positive cases after radiotherapy and keeps good appearance for patients.</p>