The rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal composite flap for tongue reconstruction following extensive resection of cancer: a report of 2 cases / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the possibility of tongue reconstruction following cancer resection by a rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal composite flap.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Half tongue defect was reconstructed using the rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal composite free flap in 2 patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The postoperative period was uneventful and complete survival of the flap was occurred in the 2 cases. The reconstructed tongue showed excellent color match and natural shape.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal composite flap can be used for tongue defect reconstruction, especially when the defect was not more than half of the tongue.</p>