Microvascular reconstruction two years after subtotal glossectomy: Is it worth it?

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Oncology Rehabilitation

Background:

• Patients undergoing oral cancer treatment often experience significant functional deficits, including difficulties with eating and speaking.
• Delayed reconstruction is sometimes necessary due to the complexities of oncologic treatment and patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of delayed oral cavity reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh flap.
• To evaluate the functional outcomes of speech and swallowing after reconstruction in a patient with a history of oral cancer.

Main Methods:

• A 49-year-old patient with a large oral cavity defect, two years post-surgery and chemo-radiotherapy, underwent reconstruction.
• An anterolateral thigh flap was used for the microvascular free flap reconstruction.
• Post-reconstruction swallowing and speech assessments were performed.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced significant improvements in swallowing function, with no signs of aspiration.
• Speech intelligibility and understandability showed marked improvement after the reconstruction.
• The functional rehabilitation intent of the delayed reconstruction yielded satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Delayed microvascular free flap reconstruction for oral cavity defects is a viable surgical option.
• This approach can lead to significant functional improvements in speech and swallowing for patients previously unable to eat orally.