Functional comparison after reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap or a pectoralis major flap for cancer of the tongue.
OBJECTIVE
Numerous patients in Taiwan with tongue carcinoma require tongue reconstruction. We compared the abilities of 2 methods of tongue reconstruction to reserve tongue function.


METHODS
Sixty patients underwent resection of the tumors and reconstruction with a pectoralis major flap or a radial forearm flap. The Chinese articulation test was used to evaluate the place and manner of error production, and a questionnaire on dietary habits was used to evaluate deglutition 6 months to 10 years after reconstruction.


RESULTS
Patients with the free flap had more intelligible speech. The questionnaire study showed no significant difference between the 2 groups in swallowing rating. Motility caused by flap pliability increased speech intelligibility more than it did on swallowing function.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience in a few selected patients shows that the functional outcome of tongue surgery is related to the reconstruction methods used (for speech) and to the extent of tongue resection (for swallowing).
Su
Wan-Fu
WF
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan. wfs19582001@yahoo.com
Hsia
Yi-Jan
YJ
Chang
Yen-Chine
YC
Chen
Shyi-Gen
SG
Sheng
Hwa
H
D003679:Deglutition; D005260:Female; D005927:Glossectomy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013062:Speech Articulation Tests; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*