Advances in oral tongue reconstruction: a reconstructive paradigm and review of functional outcomes

Abstract

Purpose of reviewGlossectomy remains a common treatment of oral tongue malignancies, which has a range of functional impacts depending on the extent of resection. This review aims to categorize and provide context for the approach to reconstructing these defects using recent evidence. Recent findingsThe reconstruction method of choice should be tailored to the size and location of the glossectomy defect with special consideration to replace tongue volume and preserve mobility. There has been an increasing focus on patient-reported outcomes in oral tongue reconstruction. For defects beyond one-third of the tongue, free tissue reconstruction, and more recently, the submental artery island flap yield excellent results. Advances in reconstruction of larger defects have included preoperative soft tissue planning and assessment of outcomes in total glossectomy patients with laryngeal preservation.

Tongue Reconstruction with Buccinator Myomucosal Island Flaps: Technical Considerations, Oncologic Safety, Functional Outcomes and QoL Assessment—A Retrospective Observational Study

“…The flap harvesting was performed as described in previous reports [20] (Figure 1). a vital role in speech articulation, taste and protection of the upper airways [4,5]. Reconstructing the human tongue is a challenging endeavor due to its highly dynamic muscular structure, which cannot be precisely replicated using any existing technique.…”

“…The tongue is a crucial structure in the oral phase of swallowing, and is responsible for propelling food into the pharyngeal phase. It also plays a vital role in speech articulation, taste and protection of the upper airways [ 4 , 5 ]. Reconstructing the human tongue is a challenging endeavor due to its highly dynamic muscular structure, which cannot be precisely replicated using any existing technique.…”