Ablation of advanced tongue cancer and mobile tongue reconstruction by using a sensitive anterolateral thigh and vastus lateralis muscle free flap.
BACKGROUND
Successful tongue reconstruction after total glossectomy for advanced tongue or base of tongue cancer should restore swallowing, speech function, and cosmesis.


METHODS
The anterior lateral thigh flap sensitive myocutaneous (ALTF) with vastus lateralis muscle was used to reconstruct the oral defect in a patient undergoing total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation for T4 tongue cancer.


RESULTS
Good functional outcomes, measured by independent feeding, speech and swallowing, were achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
The anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap for total tongue reconstruction creates a free neotongue tip with an adequate volume, producing acceptable swallowing function and cosmesis. The reconstruction with free flaps is a feasible method of restoring the functional outcomes in speech and deglutition among patients who undergo total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation.
Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, "Carol Davila" Military Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
Tuhar
Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Bucharest Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania ; "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
D
D
Zamfirescu
Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Bucharest Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
C
C
Gheorghiță
Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Bucharest Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
D
D
Slăvescu
Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Bucharest Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
A
A
Frunză
Clinic of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Bucharest Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania ; "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
I
I
Lascăr
D000368:Aged; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013848:Thigh / Q000601:surgery*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
anterolateral thigh flap; free flap; tongue reconstruction