Central island myomucosal tongue flap.

Resection of intermediate-sized (T2 and T3) lesions of the anterior floor of the mouth is often associated with defects in speech, glutition, and cosmesis despite reconstructive efforts. This paper describes the use of the central island myomucosal tongue flap to reconstruct defects of this size. Since this flap possesses the same vascular characteristics as the myocutaneous flap it offers similar advantages. Experience with seven patients in whom this flap was used suggested that this is a dependable method of anterior floor of mouth reconstruction since there was no evidence of nonviability, delayed healing, or wound breakdown. The advantages of this flap are: (a) it is rapidly developed from easily accessible local tissue, (b) it offers the same reliability as myocutaneous flaps, (c) it causes less disability of articulation and deglutition than other tongue flaps, and (d) it results in no cosmetic deformity.