Publication:

Posteriorly based dorsal tongue flap in buccal carcinoma: an institutional experience

Background Defect following surgical management of Squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa ofter requires reconstruction for restoration of form and function of oral cavity. Posteriorly based dorsal tongue flap is well known, but less utilised technique for such reconstruction. The aim of this article is to present institutional experience of posteriorly based dorsal tongue flap as a reconstructive option in selected cases of carcinoma of buccal mucosa after wide local excision with marginal mandibulectomy and its impact on rehabilitation.

Methods In this cohort study, twelve selected cases of early carcinoma buccal mucosa, who underwent surgical excision with marginal mandibulectomy with reconstruction with posteriorly based dorsal tongue flap were included and followed up for atleast one year. Objective evaluation of swallowing and subjective evaluation of speech was done. The total duration of the study was three years. Statistical analysis was done using Friedman test and Wilcoxon Sign-Rank test using SPSS 2.0.

Results The result of the study showed that there is significant reduction in swallowing function in post-operative period as determined by MDADI score. However there is significant improvement at Six weeks compared to 10th post-operative day. The speech also remains intelligible. No flap related complication was observed.

Conclusions Posteriorly based dorsal tongue flap is a simple, reliable and versatile flap for reconstruction of surgical defects following wide local excision and marginal mandibulectomy for early carcinoma of buccal mucosa, without substantial morbidity and with satisfactory swallowing and speech.