Reconstruction of the floor of the mouth after total glossectomy by free transfer of a gastro-omental flap

✍ Scribed by Calteux, Nicolas ;Hamoir, Marc ;Eeckhaut, Johan Van Den ;Vanwijck, Romain

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 1988
• Weight: 430 KB
• Volume: 10
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0148-6403
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.2890100704

✦ Synopsis

Total glossectomy for cancer is a very mutilating surgery. It is possible to preserve the larynx if it is not involved but reconstructive procedures are often insufficient. A complementary laryngectomy must often be performed. We present a new procedure using a gastroomental free flap for reconstruction after total glossectomy with conservation of the larynx. This flap gives excellent functional results and minimizes the problems of swallowing and aspirations. The suppleness of the flap allows free vertical movement of the larynx and constriction of the pharynx during swallowing. The omenturn also provides excellent protection against fistula formation and vascular ruptures. HEAD & NECK SURGERY lO:S12-S16,1988

Total glossectomy is always mutilating surgery because of the functional consequences on swallowing and speech. The procedure is often combined with total laryngectomy and permanent tracheostomy. Postoperatively, radiotherapy is ofien employed to achieve locoregional steriliza-From the