Clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes of radial forearm versus anterolateral thigh free tissue transfer for reconstruction of glossectomy defects.

Publication/Presentation Date

3-1-2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of literature of health-related quality of life endpoints for radial forearm (RF) versus anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap reconstruction for glossectomy defects. Our goal was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of clinical, functional, and quality of life outcomes after glossectomy reconstruction using a RF or ALT flap.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent glossectomy and immediate reconstruction with RF or ALT flaps between 2016 and 2021. Outcomes of interest included readmission and reoperation rates, functional assessments, tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube status, and FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer scores.

RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients consisting of 54 RF and 24 ALT free flaps were included. ALT patients had a larger median flap size (72 vs. 48 cm

CONCLUSION: The RF and ALT flaps are suitable for glossectomy reconstruction, with minimal differences seen in postoperative outcomes. Our study suggests that ALT can be used in patients with base of tongue and larger defect sizes, while providing similar functional and clinical outcomes to RF reconstruction.

Volume

129

Issue

4

First Page

681

Last Page

690

ISSN

1096-9098

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

38073188

Department(s)

Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article

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