Using sublingual gland flap for reconstruction after tongue resection: experience with 31 patients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the advantages of using sublingual gland flap (SGF) repair compared to primary suturing after resection of tongue cancer. From January 2020 to December 2023, 119 patients with stage T1-T2 tongue cancer underwent surgical resection. Among them, 31 patients received sublingual gland flap reconstruction, while the other 88 patients underwent primary suture. Patients were double-blinded and divided into two groups: the "one-stage suture" group and the "sublingual gland flap" Group. Postoperative follow-up at 6 months assessed the time required for recovery of speech, swallowing, tongue movement, and morbidity at the donor site. SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis. No significant differences were found between the groups in speech intelligibility (Control: P = 0.908; Acceptable: P = 0.881). However, swallowing ability recovery was significantly better in the SGF group compared to the primary suture group (MTF classification good: P = 0.028; Acceptable: P = 0.001). SGF repair provides tissue volume to the tongue and preserves its movement, speech intelligibility, and swallowing ability. This study also acknowledges limitations, including sample size imbalance and short follow-up time, which are discussed in detail. Further improvements are needed to the SGF to reduce complications and improve patient quality of life, and this work lays the foundation for these improvements.