Secondary microvascular tongue reconstruction: functional results

Between 1978 and 1991, 56 microvascular composite flaps were used for oromandibular reconstructions: 15 for primary total and subtotal tongue reconstruction and five for secondary major tongue reconstruction. The delayed reconstructions were performed to improve the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. Using a floor of the mouth composite bone grafting technique to reposition the tongue and obliterate the oral dead space intraoral food transport was improved (three of five patients), but aspiration persisted (three of four patients). When compared with 10 patients evaluated for primary total and subtotal tongue reconstruction the primary reconstruction group showed superior swallowing (eight dynamic oral transport, no aspiration) and speech results. The poor results of secondary reconstruction are attributed to scarring and irreversible damage to remaining functional muscles involved in protecting the laryngeal aditus.