Abstract
Background: Reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects requires careful flap design to avoid adverse functional and aesthetic outcomes. Methods: Hemitongue specimens were obtained from minipigs to study the three-dimensional anatomy and to define anatomic landmarks for precise measurements of flap requirement. The concept developed in animal models was then applied to hemiglossectomy reconstruction in clinical practice. Sixty-one patients were randomly enrolled into the following two groups: a “five-point eight-line segment” (FIPELS) flap design group (28 patients) and a conventional group (33 patients). Functional and aesthetic outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: All flaps designed with the FIPELS technique matched the hemiglossectomy defects without the need for flap trimming, thus reducing the operating time (P =.03). Swallowing functions, speech intelligibility, and aesthetic outcomes were superior in the FIPELS group than that in the conventional group (P <.05). Conclusions: The FIPELS flap design for hemiglossectomy reconstruction yields improved functional and aesthetic outcomes compared to a conventional flap design.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1359-1366 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2019 |
Keywords
- anterolateral thigh flap
- five-point eight-line segment flap design
- kissing radial forearm flap
- sensory reinnervation
- tongue reconstruction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology