Tongue microsurgical reconstruction in patients with oral cancer. Functional outcomes

Abstract

Objectives: present our experience tongue microsurgical reconstruction in patients with oral caner T2-T4aN+M0. Material and methods: prospective study of cases reconstruction of oropharyngeal zone defects after radical operations for cancer from 2015 to 2017 in microsurgery department P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute. Total 18 patients included in our study. We used flaps for reconstruction of post-resection defects: small intestine flap (2), radial forearm flap (10), thoracodorsal flap (2) chimeric thoracodorsal flap LDM+ serratus anterior muscle (4). Results: Reconstruction was successfully completed in 94 % of patients. In all cases was not flap necrosis. Mean followup was 16 months. Patients were free air — 89%. Patients were able to feed entirely by mouth — 83%. Speech function was completely restored in 82% of patients after operation. Spontaneous sensory re-innervation occurred in 35% of cases. One patient noted motor neuronal re-innervation. By the end of the 6th month after the operation, speech function was completely restored in 82% of patients. Conclusions: Attention to the principles of tongue reconstruction and knowledge of the range of available reconstructive options can result in more favorable functional outcomes.