The use of CTA combined augmented reality navigation in free anterolateral thigh perforator flap for tongue reconstruction: 9 cases report / 中华显微外科杂志

To explore the value of CTA combined augmented reality(AR) navigation in tongue re-construction with free anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flaps. Methods From December, 2016 to December, 2018, 9 cases of tongue cancer patients were treated with lingual reconstruction with the free ALTP flap. The domi-nant perforator was selected according to CTA before operation. The origin, course, locations at the level passing through the fascia lata of the perforators and digital flaps were located and marked under the guidance of AR naviga-tion technology. The flaps area were 6 cm×8 cm-8 cm×12 cm, and the donor sites were closed directly. The effect of the AR navigation was explored intraoperatively.The function of reconstructed tongue and donor site were followed-up 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Results All navigation-positioned perforators were confirmed by AR preoperatively. Intraoperative exploration showed that the perforators were accurately located. All flaps survived, and no vascular cri-sis occurred. The donor sites healed primarily with linear scars. The tongue was plump, and the function of voice and swallowing were favorable. Conclusion CTA combined AR navigation has the advantages of accurate location, easy to use and low cost in tongue reconstruction with free ALTP flaps.It is a worthy method to be popularized.

Reconstrucción microquirúrgica de lengua / Microsurgical tongue reconstruction

Malignant tumors of tongue are a common pathology with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment requires surgical oncology and systemic management, with the respective reconstruction in order to achieve an adequate quality of life, due to the primary function of the tongue during feeding, communication, social and labor interaction. That is why the choice of donor tissue for reconstruction depends heavily on its characteris-tics and the type of defect, essential to obtain favorable results in the patients. A review of the classification of resulting defects after tongue's tumors resection is performed, and management algorithm and microvascular free flaps more frequently used in this type of reconstruction.

Los tumores malignos de lengua son una patología frecuente con alto grado de morbilidad y mortalidad. Su tratamiento requiere manejo quirúrgico y sistémico oncológico, con la respectiva reconstrucción, para lograr así una adecuada calidad de vida, debido a la función primordial de la lengua durante la alimentación, la comunicación, la interacción social y laboral. Es por esto que la elección de los tejidos donantes para ello depende en gran medida de sus características y del tipo de defecto, aspecto fundamental para obtener resultados favorables en los pacientes. Se realiza una revisión de la clasificación de los defectos resultantes después de la resección de tumores de lengua, un algoritmo de manejo y los colgajos libres microvasculares más utilizados en este tipo de reconstrucción.

Total Tongue Reconstruction with Folded Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap

Tongue reconstruction after oncologic resection with free flap is important to conserve function and shape. Vertical rectus myocutaneous free flap is usually used for total tongue reconstruction, but our patient was thin and primary closure after flap elevation seemed hard. So we used anterolateral thigh free flap to reduce donor site morbidity and to maintain bulk of the tongue as much as possible. Deepithelization of both middle side of flap and folding was done to mimic normal tongue base's shape and volume. Flap survived without complication and patient underwent concurrent chemoradiation therapy three weeks after surgery. Anterolateral thigh free flap can be good candidate for total tongue reconstruction especially in thin patient.

Analysis of Factors for Satisfying Functional Outcomes in Tongue Reconstruction

PURPOSE: Tongue cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity and the ultimate goal in treatment of the cancer is not only complete excision and meticulous closure of the wound, but also, reconstruction of a demensional and functional tongue. Our study focuses on various factors, such as defect size, extent of tumor, age, application of mandibulectomy or radiotherapy, and their influences on postoperative speech and swallowing function. METHODS: Our study was based on 59 patients who underwent tongue cancer operation and reconstruction of the tongue. Speech and swallowing were evaluated according to categories documented by Sultan and Teichgraeber. Patients were classified into 3 groups as partial glossectomy, hemiglossectomy and total glossectomy groups for evaluation. The average age of the patients were 51, and the mean follow-up period was 4 years 2 months. RESULTS: The partial glossectomy group showed statistically relevant results for speech articulation and swallowing abilities compared to the total glossectomy group. In cases of defects involving the mouth floor, the group showed decreased results compared to the group without mouth floor involvement. Increased age showed decreased postoperative results with statistical significance, while mandibulectomy and radiotherapy revealed no statistically significant data. Analysis according to TNM staging resulted in decreased functional result with advanced staging without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: To summarize the factors influencing the functional outcome in tongue reconstruction, younger patients and early stage cancer with minimal surgical extent revealed more satisfying results while mandibulectomy and radiation did not have influence on our analysis. Addition of various influencing factors and studies with longer follow up periods on our patient groups may provide effective data for more satisfying functional outcomes in the future.

Total Tongue Reconstruction with Reinnervated Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap

After total glossectomy, recovery of swallowing and speech function can greatly improve quality of life. The reconstructed tongue must be thick enough to contact with the hard palate for articulation. If the free flap is denervation, it may procede to have atrophy postoperatively. Therefor it is difficult to maintain the tongue volume for a long period of time. To resolve this problem, we have used a innervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and maintaining the volume through a neurorrhaphy. 7 patients underwent immediate reconstruction using a reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap in which included intercostal nerve was anastomosed to the remaining hypoglossal nerve. The reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap has provided good tongue contour with sufficient bulk and shown no obvious atrophy in all patients even though postoperative 9 months later. Considering swallowing and articulation, we concluded that reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is a viable method after total glossectomy.

Total Tongue Reconstruction with Innervated Latissimus Dorsi Free Flap

Total tongue resection result in severe speech problem, swallowing difficulty and life threatening aspiration. When a total glossectomy is performed, the functional recovery of swallowing, articulation, and airway protection are important for maintaining life quality of the patient. To achieve good functional results, First, the donor tissue should be bulky. Second, the tissue should be pliable and capable of movement. Third, the neotongue should be innervated by anastomosis to the hypoglossal nerve. Innervated latissimus dorsi free flap satisfies the above conditions. The authors performed two immediate total tongue reconstruction using a innervated latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap in which the thoracodorsal nerve was anastomosed to the hypoglossal nerve. Decanulation was performed on the 15th and 20th day respectively after the operation. The oral intake of pureed diet was possible in both patients without aspiration. After 3 months, it was confirmed in videofluoroscopic study that the neotongue was able to contact with the palate effectively. And the articulation was satisfactory. Considering speech and feeding rehabilitation, innervated latissimus dorsi flap can be more valuable method of tongue reconstruction than any other methods and we recommend it for better life quality of the patient.

Application of Forearm Flap in Tongue Reconstrution / 中国医师杂志

Objective To sum up the experiences of tongue repair after radical operation of tongue carcinoma with free forearm flap in the last two years. Methods The clinical data of 26 patients underwent forearm free flap transfer for tongue repair from February 2002 to February 2004 were retrospectively analysed . Results Among the 26 grafted forearm flaps, 25 survived. Only one flap occurred arterial thrombosis and necrosis after the second operation.All the patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years. Reconstruction tongues had suitable volume and shape as well as perfect movement ability. Conclusion Free forearm flap was suitable to repair the tongue defect after radical operation of tongue caicinoma. The rate of operation success was high, and reconstructed tongues could basically meet patient's normal life.