Comparison of Radial Forearm Flap and Infrahyoid Myocutaneous Flap in Reconstruction of the Defects After Hemiglossectomy

Objective This study was designed to compare the survival and functional outcomes of radial forearm flap(RFF) and infrahyoid myocutaneous flap(IHMF) used in reconstruction of the defects result from hemiglossectomy,in order to explore and optimize the reconstructive techniques for defects after hemiglossectomy.Methods 15 RFFs and 12 IHMFs used to repair the defects result from hemiglossectomy were retrospectively studied.22 cases of them were T2 tongue cancer and 5 cases were T3 tongue cancer.Surgical success rate were compared between these two groups.Tongue function parameters including language communication,diet,and tongue movement 1 year after operation were evaluated and compared between the two groups.Results All flaps survived in 15 cases of RFF group,without surgical complications;1 skin island necrosis and 1 marginal necrosis that result in wound dehiscence occurred in 12 cases of IHMF group,without other surgical complications.Language communication,diet,tongue movement were comparable between the two group,P0.05.Conclusion Both RFF and IHMF result in excellent postoperative tongue function with high flap survival rate and low surgical complications.HMF is a good alternative to RFF in reconstruction of half tongue defects,particularly for weak patients who are unendurable to long time operation.