The Submental Flap for Reconstruction of Tongue Defects- Surgical Outcome and Quality of Life Assessment.

ABSTRACT: Tongue defects following resection of cancers, have a major effect on speech and swallowing, impairing the quality of life. Free flaps such as the free radial artery forearm flap and anterolateral thigh flap have been ideal for the reconstruction of such defects depending upon the volume of tissue loss. Local flaps such as the submental flap and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap serve as an alternative in decreasing morbidity and improving functional outcomes. Surgical outcomes associated with submental flaps used in the reconstruction of tongue defects were evaluated in our study. This is a retrospective analysis of 545 patients, where the submental flap was used for the repair of tongue defects for cancer resections. Oncological safety was studied in 375 patients with a median follow-up

SUBMITTER: Shaikh M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10645927 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature