Introduction
The tongue is the most important organ involved in voice, bolus formation, and swallowing. As the tongue is a highly specialized tissue, restoring of the tongue is one of the major challenges facing oncological reconstructive surgeons.
Patient and methods
Since 2013, we have reconstructed 60 resections of the tongue using a free flap [radial forearm, anterolateral thigh (ALT)]. The complete mobile tongue resection (total and near-total tongue resection) represented a small group of 10 patients. We checked the records of the seven patients who had been reconstructed with an ALT flap with a cathedral design. The seven patients (five males and two females) underwent a complete mobile tongue reconstruction with an ALT free flap with a cathedral design.
Result
All flaps survived with no need for flap revision. All flaps had a natural shape and volume of the tongue, even after radiotherapy, allowing adequate dental and palatal contact.
Conclusion
This kind of shaping of the ALT flap has a good and direct effect on the quality of life o patients as regards swallowing, speech, and deglutition of our patients.