Summary
Reconstruction of large carcinologic tongue defect is mandatory to recover adequate
speech and swallowing. Free flaps provide thin and pliable tissues needed to restore
the shape and the volume of the tongue but their functional outcomes, especially in
case of total mobile tongue reconstruction, are still limited. The authors describe
a modification of flap design called the ‘cathedral triptych’ used with the antero-lateral
thigh flap. This modified design recreates a near normal neotongue shape with more
projected tip and vertical bulk that can contact the palate and the upper lip. Ten
patients underwent total mobile tongue reconstruction with a sensitive antero-lateral
thigh flap and a ‘cathedral triptych’ design. This modification of flap shaping and
folding optimises postoperative oral function.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 06, 2011
Accepted:
November 7,
2011
Received:
July 29,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
