The Effects of Topical and Injected Mitomycin C on Wound Healing

Abstract

RF) was the essential part of tongue reconstruction. Methods: RF originates from the infrahyoid muscles and was dissected during the neck dissection procedure as a uni-or bilateral flap. RF was indicated in 71 patients (14 female, 57 male). The youngest was 21, the oldest 71 years of age (mean, 52.8; median, 53; STD, 9.9 years). The majority of our patients had advanced stages of disease (T1, 1; T2, 24; T3, 28; T4, 18).Results: Tumor resection required a transmandibular (55), transpharyngeal (5), transoral (4), or a pull through ( 7) approach. The defect to be closed was situated in the oral tongue (3), tongue base (28), or both (40 patients). Minimal morbidity resulted in 20 patients in whom a complete defect closure was achieved with the RF. Combined procedures of defect closure (radial forarm flap with or without free fibula transfer, 37; jejunal graft, 9; upper arm flap, 4; iliac crest, 1) were indicated for the majority of patients. Speech and swallowing was restored to an acceptable rate. Preliminary experimental and histological studies revealed that innervation of RF via the deep cervical ansa is essential to prevent unintentional atrophy of the flap.Conclusions: RF serves as a reliable tool for tongue reconstruction with a minimal tendency to shrink. In combination with free vascular tissue transfer the flap is ideal to close larger defects.