Through-flow revascularization of the tongue using a radial forearm free flap.
Surgery for invasive squamous cell carcinoma involving the tongue base usually necessitates a total glossectomy because complete tumour resection requires sacrifice of both lingual arteries leaving a non-viable anterior tongue. A case is presented in which both lingual arteries were sacrificed to achieve complete tumour excision and the remaining anterior two-thirds of the tongue were successfully revascularized by through-flow from a radial forearm free flap which was used for pharyngeal reconstruction. This technique offers hope of preservation of the tongue when radical surgery would otherwise lead to its removal.
Evans
D M
DM
Department of Plastic Surgery, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Chevretton
E B
EB
Cole
R P
RP
Pereira
J A
JA
Morrison
G A
GA
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000601:surgery; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D014059:Tongue / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*