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.
Department of Plastic Surgery, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
D M
DM
Evans
E B
EB
Chevretton
R P
RP
Cole
J A
JA
Pereira
G A
GA
Morrison
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*