title: Reconstruction of Tongue Defects With the Contralateral Nasolabial Island Flap.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Reconstruction of tongue defects after cancer resection is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. Conventional local flaps are usually compromised in patients with suspected ipsilateral neck metastasis. To extend the application of the nasolabial flap, especially in circumstances in which a free flap is unavailable, the contralateral nasolabial island flap was used, with favorable outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven patients presenting with tongue carcinoma underwent surgical resection and neck dissection. Tongue defects were simultaneously reconstructed using a contralateral nasolabial island flap. Clinical outcomes, including locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis, were recorded. Subjective functional outcomes were investigated using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All flaps survived without partial or complete necrosis. All patients survived without locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis during follow-up (6 months to 2 years). Functional outcomes were satisfactory, especially swallowing and speech functions. Donor-site morbidity was minimal and the scars were inconspicuously hidden in the nasolabial fold.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The contralateral nasolabial island flap is technically feasible and can be an excellent option for tongue reconstruction without compromising oncologic safety.
authors.affiliation: Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Pajjai
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nueangkhota
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Yu-jie
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Guang-sen
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
authors.forename: Yu-xiong
authors.initials: YX
authors.lastname: Su
authors.affiliation: Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Wei-fa
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Professor and Chief, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. Electronic address: drliaoguiqing@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Gui-qing
authors.initials: GQ
authors.lastname: Liao
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000523:psychology / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D009666:Nose / Q000601:surgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000637:transplantation*; D015996:Survival Rate; D014059:Tongue / Q000601:surgery*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D060053:Transplant Donor Site / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome