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Submental island flap versus radial forearm free flap for oral tongue reconstruction: a comparison of complications and functional outcomes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 April 2019

P Sittitrai ,
D Reunmakkaew  and
C Srivanitchapoom
P Sittitrai*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand
D Reunmakkaew
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand
C Srivanitchapoom
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Unit, Phayao Hospital, Thailand
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Pichit Sittitrai, Department of Otolaryngology, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand E-mail: psittitrai@yahoo.com Fax: +66 053 935564
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Abstract

Objective

This study compared the complications and functional outcomes of patients with oral tongue cancer who had undergone reconstruction using a submental island flap or a radial forearm free flap.

Method

Of the 54 patients, 29 underwent reconstruction with a submental island flap and 25 patients with a radial forearm free flap. The complications and outcomes of speech and swallowing were evaluated.

Results

In the submental island flap group, all the flaps were successfully transferred with no donor site complications. In the radial forearm free flap group, partial skin graft loss and arm function restriction were recorded. Mean operative time and duration of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the submental island flap group. Speech and swallowing function were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in locoregional recurrence between the groups.

Conclusion

The submental island flap is reliable and is suitable for oral tongue reconstruction. It has a lower complication incidence when compared to the radial forearm free flap, while maintaining speech and swallowing function.

Keywords

Surgical FlapsFree Tissue FlapsTongue NeoplasmsSpeechDeglutition
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 133 , Issue 5 , May 2019 , pp. 413 - 418
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2019 

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Footnotes

Dr P Sittitrai takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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