title: Functional results of microvascular reconstruction after hemiglossectomy: free anterolateral thigh flap versus free forearm flap.
abstract: The aim of the present study is to assess functional outcomes after hemiglossectomy and microvascular reconstruction. Twenty-six patients underwent primary tongue microvascular reconstruction after hemiglossectomy. Twelve patients were reconstructed using a free radial forearm flap and 14 with an anterolateral thigh flap. Speech intelligibility, swallowing capacity and quality of life scores were assessed. Factors such as tumour extension, surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy appeared to be fundamental to predict post-treatment functional outcomes. The data obtained in the present study indicate that swallowing capacity after hemiglossectomy is better when an anterolateral thigh flap is used. No significant differences were seen for speech intelligibility or quality of life between free radial forearm flap and anterolateral thigh flap.
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, "Alma Mater Studiorum" University of Bologna, Italy;
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tarsitano
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Unit, "Alma Mater Studiorum" University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Vietti
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Unit, "Alma Mater Studiorum" University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cipriani
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, "Alma Mater Studiorum" University of Bologna, Italy;
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marchetti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003679:Deglutition; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D005927:Glossectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D055806:Microvessels; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013848:Thigh / Q000601:surgery; D014059:Tongue / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Free anterolateral thigh flap; Free radial forearm flap; Functional outcomes; Hemiglossectomy; Microsurgery