The Comparison between Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap and Radial Forearm Free Flap in Partial Glossectomy Defect-An Evaluation of Donor Site Morbidity and Functional Outcome.

Cho, Sang Hyun; Lee, Won Jai; Lew, Dae Hyun; Tark, Kwan Chul

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2007;34(3):330-335.
Published online May 1, 2007.

The Comparison between Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap and Radial Forearm Free Flap in Partial Glossectomy Defect-An Evaluation of Donor Site Morbidity and Functional Outcome.

Sang Hyun Cho, Won Jai Lee, Dae Hyun Lew, Kwan Chul Tark

¹Institue for Human Tissue Restoration, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
²Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. pswjlee@ yumc.yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and donor site morbidity of anterolateral thigh free flap(ALT) compared to Radial forearm free flap(RFFF) for the reconstruction of partial glossectomy defect. METHODS: 5 ALT free flap (group I) were attempted for partial glossectomy patients. We compared patients undergone ALT flap with those(n=11) of similar size defect reconstructed with RFFF (Group II). Rating scales for articulation and swallowing function were applied and donor site morbidity have been evaluated.
RESULTS
The scales for speech function showed no difference between the two groups (average score; group I-6.4, group II-6.45). Swallowing function also showed no difference between the two groups(average score; Group I-6.6, Group II-6.27). ALT group had one patient with donor site morbidity(numbness). All of the RFFF patients(11/11) complained and suffered from hypertrophic scar, retraction, numbness or hyperpigmentation on forearm donor site. Based on our study, ALT free flap is comparable to that of RFFF in terms of functional assessment in tongue reconstruction.
CONCLUSION
Considering the donor site morbidity, ALT flap is to be valuable to reconstruct partial glossectomy defect.

Keywords: Partial glossectomy; Anterolateral thigh flap; Functional outcome; Donor site morbidity