Total Tongue Reconstruction with Folded Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap

ABSTRACT

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.