Preliminary Study of Temporal Change in Free Flap Volume after Tongue Reconstruction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate three-dimensionally temporal change in flap volume after free flap reconstructive surgery in tongue cancer patients. The results revealed an average change in flap volume of 82.3% at 1 year postoperatively. Change in tongue volume at approximately 6 months postoperatively showed a correlation with triglyceride levels. A correlation was also found between albumin levels and tongue volume at 1 year onwards postoperatively. The goal of such surgery in patients with tongue cancer is to reconstruct a functional tongue. Taking postoperative change in tongue volume into consideration is therefore of importance in minimizing postoperative dysphagia.