[Surgical Procedure for Postoperative Reconstruction of Swallowing Function in a Very Elderly Patient with Advanced...

Surgical ablation and reconstruction are the first-line treatment strategies for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. However, locally advanced cases can be complicated by postoperative dysphagia. Here, we report a case of advanced tongue cancer in a very elderly patient who regained good swallowing function following a reconstructive surgery using a pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap with elevation of the hyoid bone. Case: An 89-year-old man diagnosed with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue(cT4aN2bM0, cStage ⅣA)underwent tracheostomy, right modified radical neck dissection type Ⅱ, left supraomohyoid neck dissection, subtotal glossectomy, and pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap reconstruction under general anesthesia. Intraoperatively, holes were created in the lower edge of the mandible, and the hyoid bone was suspended and fixed to the mandibular border using 2-0 nylon sutures. The postoperative course was uneventful. The flap had been completely engrafted and was in a good condition. The pharyngeal stage of swallowing function was reproduced through a reconstructive surgery with suspension and fixation of the hyoid bone toward the border of the mandible. Video fluorography 6 months postoperatively showed that good swallowing function was achieved using a palatal augmentation prosthesis.