title: Functional results in oral cavity reconstruction using reinnervated versus nonreinnervated free fasciocutaneous grafts.
abstract: Recent advances in free-tissue transfer have given the otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeon a number of reliable options for reconstruction of the oral cavity following ablative procedures. One recent modification has been the transfer of free reinnervated fasciocutaneous grafts in the hope of enhancing oral rehabilitation following surgery. To assess the efficacy of this modification, a protocol was established to retrospectively evaluate patients that received either reinnervated or non-reinnervated free-tissue transfers. Factors including site, surgical resection, type of tissue transfer, and follow-up period were controlled. Evaluation of free-graft sensory return and quality of life was carried out through physical examination and patient interview. Speech assessment was carried out using standardized tests of intelligibility administered by a speech pathologist. Swallowing assessment was carried out with videocinefluoroscopic and scintigraphic techniques, and the oropharyngeal swallow efficiency was calculated. Sensory return in the reinnervate free grafts was superior; however, there was not statistical difference between groups in the speech and swallowing tests. Quality of life was judged to be good in both groups. Sensory return and functional outcome in intraoral reconstruction after tumour ablation was reviewed and discussed
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, British Columbia.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Mah
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Durham
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Irvine
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Fache
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Weir
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Coupland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009055:Mouth / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous