title: Vastus lateralis myofascial free flap in tongue reconstruction.
abstract: In the last decade, the antero-lateral thigh free flap (ALT) has become the most popular free flap for tongue reconstruction because of less donor site morbidity and better cosmetic outcomes. However, fascio-cutaneous ALT may be insufficient to reconstruct major tongue defects, while its muscular-cutaneous variant (using the vastus lateralis muscle) may be too bulky. The present study describes our preliminary experience of tongue reconstruction with vastus lateralis myofascial flap, which could potentially offer unique advantages in head and neck reconstruction including adequate bulk when needed, optimal functional results and obliteration of dead space thus preventing fistulas and infections with minimal morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pellini
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.|Department Organs of Sense, ENT Section, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Virgilio
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mercante
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pichi
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Manciocco
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marchesi
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferreli
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Spriano
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D005927:Glossectomy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000637:transplantation*; D014059:Tongue / Q000601:surgery*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Free flap; Glossectomy; Rectus femoris; Tongue reconstruction; Vastus lateralis