Radial Forearm Flap for Tongue Reconstruction

• Main Authors: Rodney Oliver J. Aragon, Samantha Soriano –Castaneda, Joselito F. David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philippine Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. 2008-12-01
• Series: Philippine Journal of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
• Subjects: radial forearm free flap; tongue reconstruction
• Online Access: https://pjohns.pso-hns.org/index.php/pjohns/article/view/745

Objective: To present a case of tongue reconstruction using radial forearm free flap. Methods: Design: Case Report Setting:  Tertiary government hospital Patient: One Results: A 52-year- old female with a T3N2cM0 Stage IVa right tongue carcinoma underwent tracheotomy, right hemiglossectomy with modified radical neck dissection type III and extended supraomohyoid neck dissection on the left with radial forearm free flap reconstruction. After 1 month, the radial forearm free flap reconstruction in the tongue had acceptable appearance and good tongue mobility with intelligible speech. The patient did not complain about the appearance and function of the left forearm. Conclusion: The radial forearm free flap is a viable reconstructive option for tongue defects especially where a thin, pliable flap is needed. There is acceptable form and functional restoration with minimal donor site morbidity. Keywords: radial forearm free flap, tongue reconstruction