Microvascular revascularization of the tongue

Revascularization of the tongue, employing microvascular techniques, is useful in cases where the blood supply to this organ must be interrupted to allow for adequate exposure or for adequate margins. A case is presented in which the left lingual artery was divided for purposes of exposure and the right artery was interrupted to encompass the entire tumor. This patient also underwent a total laryngopharyngectomy with jejunal free flap interposition. The blood supply of the tongue was successfully reestablished by anastomosing the right lingual artery to the right facial artery. The patient made an uneventful recovery.