[An island pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of tongue and floor of mouth].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate an island pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for immediate reconstruction of the total tongue body and the floor of the mouth after radical resection of bilateral tongue carcinoma involved.

METHODS

Form October 2000 to December 2002, seven patients with bilateral tongue carcinoma were selected to treat with salvage surgery, and an island pectoralis major myocutaneous flap were applied for immediate reconstruction of total body of tongue and floor of mouth.

RESULTS

Six flaps survived well. Only one flap showed a partial necrosis, with no submandibular fistula, infection, and other complications. The reconstructed tongue and floor of mouth worked well. The speaking and swallowing functions were satisfactory after 2 approximately 16 months' follow-ups. Only one patient died of lung metastasis carcinoma in 9 months after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The island pectoralis major myocutaneous flap could be an ideal selection for the immediate reconstruction of the total tongue body and the floor of mouth.