The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in intra-oral reconstruction as an alternative to free flaps.
CONCLUSIONS
In our experience, monolateral or bilateral infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is less time-consuming and reduces the complication rate and the operation time in both small and large defects if compared with other authors' experience using a microvascular anastomosed flap.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe our results in reconstructive surgery after cancer ablation using the less popular infrahyoid myocutaneous flap as an alternative method to free flaps. The surgical technique and the postoperative outcomes are described.


METHODS
This was a retrospective study: 32 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were surgically treated using a pure infrahyoid myocutaneous neurovascular flap.


RESULTS
The flap was successful in all cases without flap necrosis, fistula or complications in the donor site. After radiation therapy, flap tissues remained sufficiently soft, trophic and mobile. Ultrasound evaluation of tongue mobility, performed at the time of discharge, as well as 3 and 6 months after surgery, showed normal bolus propulsion. Cinefluoroscopy also showed good function of the reconstructed tongue.
Minni
Antonio
A
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. antonio.minni@uniroma1.it
Mascelli
Alberto
A
Suriano
Maria
M
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D002933:Cineradiography; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D014463:Ultrasonography