OBJECTIVE

To analyze the functional results of using a myocutaneous, chimeric, reinnervated free autograft for tongue reconstruction after subtotal and total glosssectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The prospective study included 32 patients aged 34 to 68 years (mean age, 49.6±11.1 years). Locally advanced oral cavity cancer (Stages III—IVA, B) was diagnosed in all cases. A microsurgical tongue reconstruction method developed at the P.A. Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute was used as a reconstructive plastic stage of surgical treatment. Functional indicators were analyzed having regard to the timing of restoration of natural feeding, decannulation, and recovery of the function of speech production.

RESULTS

Natural feeding was restored in 25 (83.4%) patients. At the same time, decannulation was carried out in the same number of patients, including 6 (25%), 15 (60%), and 4 (16%) patients had this procedure during 20—30 days, 1—3 months, and more than 3 months, respectively, after the day of surgery. The function of speech production was restored in 73.4% of cases. The vast majority of patients (n=26 (81.3%)) led an active lifestyle after treatment and did not require nursing care. 32% of the patients in the working age group returned to work.

CONCLUSION

The myocutaneous, chimeric, reinnervated autograft from the subscapular artery bed is a safe and reliable flap for tongue reconstruction after salvage surgery with satisfactory functional results.