Anterior glossectomy: reconstruction with a posterior tongue rotation flap

With traditional techniques, reconstruction of the anterior tongue is often less than satisfactory. The difficulty lies mainly in providing the tongue with the appropriate amount of bulk essential for normal movement and function. We present an alternative method that involves raising a flap from the ipsilateral middle third of the tongue and rotating it into position for suturing to the anterior defect border. We have found this simple procedure to yield adequate tongue bulk for normal speech and deglutition.