• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.57-59
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• 2011

Tongue reconstruction after oncologic resection with free flap is important to conserve function and shape. Vertical rectus myocutaneous free flap is usually used for total tongue reconstruction, but our patient was thin and primary closure after flap elevation seemed hard. So we used anterolateral thigh free flap to reduce donor site morbidity and to maintain bulk of the tongue as much as possible. Deepithelization of both middle side of flap and folding was done to mimic normal tongue base's shape and volume. Flap survived without complication and patient underwent concurrent chemoradiation therapy three weeks after surgery. Anterolateral thigh free flap can be good candidate for total tongue reconstruction especially in thin patient.

• Korean Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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• v.61 no.11
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• pp.605-610
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• 2018

Background and Objectives The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of a posterior-based buccinator myomucosal flap (the Bozola flap) for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects after tongue cancer resection. Subjects and Method Fifteen patients who underwent from 2014 to 2016 reconstruction of the oral cavity with a Bozola flap after surgical management of tongue cancer were enrolled in the study. Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the Bozola flap were evaluated. Results The flap was successfully harvested and transferred in all patients. The mean flap harvesting time was 25.3 min. The donor site was closed primarily in 14 patients, and a buccal fat pad flap was used in one patient. Although partial necrosis of the flap occurred in two patients, no other major complications were noted. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that the Bozola flap is a good option for reconstruction of moderate sized oral cavity defects in tongue cancer patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.161-167
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• 2006

After total glossectomy, recovery of swallowing and speech function can greatly improve quality of life. The reconstructed tongue must be thick enough to contact with the hard palate for articulation. If the free flap is denervation, it may procede to have atrophy postoperatively. Therefor it is difficult to maintain the tongue volume for a long period of time. To resolve this problem, we have used a innervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and maintaining the volume through a neurorrhaphy. 7 patients underwent immediate reconstruction using a reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap in which included intercostal nerve was anastomosed to the remaining hypoglossal nerve. The reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap has provided good tongue contour with sufficient bulk and shown no obvious atrophy in all patients even though postoperative 9 months later. Considering swallowing and articulation, we concluded that reinnervated rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is a viable method after total glossectomy

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.309-313
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• 2018

Oronasal fistulae (ONF) could remain after surgery in some patients with cleft palate. ONF ultimately requires intraoral surgery, which may lead to perioperative airway obstruction. Tongue flap surgery is a technique used to repair ONF. During the second surgery for performing tongue flap division, the flap transplanted from the tongue dorsum to the palate of the patient acts as an obstacle to airway management, which poses a great challenge for anesthesiologists. In particular, anesthesiologists may face difficulty in airway evaluation and patient cooperation during general anesthesia for tongue flap division surgery in pediatric patients. The authors report a case of airway management using a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope during general anesthesia for tongue flap division surgery in a 6-year-old child.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.139-151
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• 2022

Reconstructive surgery in the management of head and neck cancer has evolved to include structure-specific approaches in which organ-specific treatment algorithms help optimize outcomes. Tongue cancer management and reconstruction are surgical challenges for which well-executed reconstructive plans should be completed promptly to avoid delaying any subsequently planned oncologic treatment. Crucial considerations in tongue cancer resection are the significant functional morbidity associated with surgical defects, particularly in terms of speech and swallowing, and the consequent negative impact on patients' quality of life. With the evolution of microsurgical techniques and the development of the perforator flap concept, flap options can be tailored to the characteristics of various tongue defects. This has allowed the implementation of pliable flaps that can help restore tongue mobility and yield subsequent functional outcomes. Using an evolutional framework, we present this series of reviews related to tongue reconstruction. The first part of the review summarizes flap options and flap-related factors, such as volume and tissue characteristics. Related functional aspects are also presented, including tongue mobility, speech, and swallowing, as well as ways to evaluate and optimize these outcomes.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.42
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• pp.38.1-38.7
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• 2020

Background: Lipomas are benign soft tissue neoplasms of mature adipose tissue commonly occurring in the trunk or extremities. But, intraoral lipomas are rare entities which may be only noticed during routine dental examinations. Especially intramuscular lipomas on the tongue have been reported very rarely. In this study, we report a case of intramuscular lipoma on tongue, with a review of the literature from 1978 to 2019, providing data on age, gender, location, presenting symptoms, size, surgical methods, and recurrence. Case presentation: A case of intramuscular lipoma occurring in tongue region in a 65-year-old male is reported. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment for the lesion. In order to decrease the deformity and discomfort after the excision, we tried to modify surgical technique using enveloped mucosal flap. This technique provided more comfortable healing procedure on the operative site without recurrence. Conclusion: This is a rare case of large intramuscular lipoma on tongue. Surgical excision with enveloped mucosal flap design was performed to diminish postoperative raw surface and discomfort and a 24-month follow-up showed excellent healing without any recurrence. A case of intramuscular lipoma on tongue and relevant literature reviews are presented in this study.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.270-276
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• 1997

The records of 18 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of mouth treated surgically were reviewed. Surgical approaches, staging, treatment modalities, recurrence and vital status were evaluated. The distrubutions of involved sites were tongue(9 cases) and mouth floor(9 cases). Patients were treated by surgery primarily, combined chemotherapy and radiation, and by surgical salvage in the failure cases of radiation and chemotherapy. All ipsilateral necks of mouth floor cancer and advanced tongue cancer were treated with neck dissection. Cases of early tongue cancer could be excised with transoral route, and advanced cases needed transmandibular approach. Whereas, majorites of mouth floor cancer needed transmandibular approach, and other cases could be excised transoral and pull-through approaches. In the recontructions, we used primary closure, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, forearm free flap, fibular osteocutaneous flap and skin graft. One year survival rate was 93% and 2 year survival rate was 60%.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2011

Purpose : Anterolateral thigh and radial forearm flap is the most important fasciocutaneous flap widely used for reconstruction of tongue. One important purpose of flap is replacing the volume of tongue but still there is no data about the surface area and volume to be reconstructed after glossectomy. In this paper, surface area and volume is estimated from the 3-dimensionally reconstructed MRI images to see which flap is more ideal and to give the reference value for reconstruction. Materials and Methods : With coronal MRI image, tongue including only the intrinsic muscle is delineated in every section and reconstructed 3-dimensionally and calculated the volume and surface area to be reconstructed according to the degree of glossectomy. This volume and surface area was compared with the volume of anterolateral thigh and radial forearm flap. Results : The volume and surface area to be reconstructed in hemiglossectomy was $39.0{\pm}4.0cm^3$ and $31.8{\pm}2.7cm^2$ respectively. The average thickness of anterolateral thigh flap is $9.4{\pm}2.8mm$ and that of radial forearm is $3.8{\pm}1.0mm$. Comparing the curve of tongue surface area and volume with the volume of flap, the anterolateral thigh flap has more ideal volume to replace the defect. Conclusions : The surface area and volume requested for reconstruction could be suggested and the anterolateral thigh flap has more ideal volume for reconstruction of glossectomy defect.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.193-204
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• 2022

Tongue reconstruction remains a major aspect of head and neck reconstructive procedures. Surgeons planning tongue reconstruction should consider several factors to optimize the overall outcomes. Specifically, various technical aspects related to tongue reconstruction have been found to affect the outcomes. Multidisciplinary teams dedicated to oncologic, reconstructive, and rehabilitative approaches play an essential role in the reconstructive process. Moreover, operative planning addressing certain patient-related and defect-related factors is crucial for optimizing functional speech and swallowing, as well as quality of life outcomes. Furthermore, tongue reconstruction is a delicate process, in which overall functional outcomes result from proper flap selection and shaping, recipient vessel preparation and anastomosis, surgical approaches to flap insetting, and postoperative management. The second part of this review summarizes these factors in relation to tongue reconstruction.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.119-122
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• 2009

Objectives : Ablation of carcinoma of the tongue leads to deficits in speech and swallowing, but none to date has provided all of the qualities of mobility and sensation to simulate the complex function of the tongue. The authors evaluated postoperative swallowing and pronouncing function in patients who underwent tongue reconstruction using free flap. Material and Methods : This is a retrospective review documenting the outcome of 42 patients between January of 1991 and August of 2008. We classified patients according to the size of resection of the tongue like as 7 partial glossectomy, 25 hemiglossectomy, 2 subtotal glossectomy, and 8 total glossectomy. Swallowing function was graded into 4 point scale and pronouncing function was analyzed using picture consonant articulation test. Aspiration was evaluated with videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Results : The average points for swallowing function were 3.43 in partial glossectomy, 3.52 in hemiglossectomy, 3 in subtotal glossectomy, and 2.63 in total glossectomy. The percentage of consonants correct showed 76.5% in partial glossectomy, 72.29% in hemiglossectomy, 47.69% in subtotal glossectomy, and 29.94% in total glossectomy. Aspiration was noted in 3 patients(1 hemiglossectomy and 2 total glossectomy) and 2 total glossectomy patients were taken permanent feeding gastrostomy. Conclusion : Free flap gave us proper volume in tongue reconstruction and showed good result in preserving swallowing function. Swallowing function difference according to the size of defect showed no statistical significance, whereas articulation function was shown to decrease in accuracy as the size of defect was larger.