Microvascular reconstruction two years after subtotal glossectomy: Is it worth it?

G Molteni; M Ghirelli; G Molinari; L Presutti

doi:10.1016/j.jormas.2018.08.006

Microvascular reconstruction two years after subtotal glossectomy: Is it worth it?

J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019 Feb;120(1):49-54. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2018.08.006. Epub 2018 Sep 6.

Authors

G Molteni¹, M Ghirelli², G Molinari³, L Presutti³

Affiliations

¹ Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of Verona, AOUI Borgo Trento, Piazzale Aristide Stefani, 1, 37126 Verona, Italy.
² Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of Modena, Policlinico, Largo del Pozzo, 71, 41125 Modena, Italy. Electronic address: michael.ghirelli@gmail.com.
³ Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of Modena, Policlinico, Largo del Pozzo, 71, 41125 Modena, Italy.

PMID: 30196005
DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2018.08.006

Abstract

We ought to report an unusual case of a 49-year-old patient who underwent delayed reconstruction of the oral cavity defect, with an anterolateral thigh flap, two years after surgical demolition and adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. At the end of oncologic treatment, he could not eat through oral route and presented evident speech articulation difficulties. After surgical reconstruction, swallowing assessment showed an improvement of swallowing with no gross signs of airways inhalation. His understandability of speech improved as well. Delayed reconstruction by a microvascular free flap with exclusive functional rehabilitation intent is feasible and may have satisfactory functional outcomes.

Keywords: Free flaps; Microsurgery; Reconstruction; Rehabilitation; Swallowing; Tongue.

MeSH terms

Deglutition
Free Tissue Flaps*
Glossectomy
Humans
Middle Aged
Plastic Surgery Procedures*
Tongue Neoplasms*