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Semin Plast Surg 2019; 33(01): 038-045
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677789
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Free-Flap Reconstruction of the Tongue

Aurora Vincent
1   Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington
,
Scott Kohlert
2   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
,
Thomas S. Lee
3   Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital, Richmond, Virginia
,
Jared Inman
4   Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
,
Yadranko Ducic
2   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 March 2019 (online)

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Abstract

The tongue is paramount to natural speech and swallowing, and good tongue function is important in the overall quality of life. Autologous free-flap reconstruction of the tongue after glossectomy allows for adequate speech, swallow, and quality-of-life outcomes in a majority of patients. Herein, the authors review autologous free-flap reconstruction of the tongue with a focus on different flap options, speech and swallow outcomes, quality-of-life outcomes, and factors that affect how patients perform after tongue reconstruction.

Keywords

tongue reconstruction - free tissue transfer - head and neck cancer
 

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