Microvascular reconstruction of the tongue using a free anterolateral thigh flap: Three-dimensional evaluation of volume loss after radiotherapy

• Published in: Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery Vol. 44; no. 9; pp. 1287 - 1291
• Main Authors: Tarsitano, Achille, Battaglia, Salvatore, Cipriani, Riccardo, Marchetti, Claudio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2016
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anterolateral thigh flap; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - diagnostic imaging; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - radiotherapy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - surgery; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Free flap shrinkage; Free Tissue Flaps; Glossectomy - methods; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Microvascular reconstruction; Middle Aged; Radiotherapy; Surgery; Thigh; Tongue Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Tongue Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Tongue Neoplasms - surgery; Tongue reconstruction; Treatment Outcome; Microvascular reconstruction; Anterolateral thigh flap; Radiotherapy; Tongue reconstruction; Free flap shrinkage

The goal of tongue microvascular reconstruction is to maximise oral function with less morbidity while preserving speech and swallowing. This kind of reconstruction often requires a bigger flap volume than is actually needed to repair the defect. This is because every reconstructive flap is subject...