Reconstruction of the base of the tongue and lateral pharyngeal wall.

A technique for reconstruction of the lateral pharyngeal wall, with a buccal mucosal rotation flap is presented for use in patients following extensive resections of the lateral pharyngeal wall with partial mandiblectomy. Reconstruction of the base of the tongue, utilizing midline tongue flaps and/or the epiglottis, is also illustrated. These innovative techniques frequently obviate forehead and chest flaps, aid in vocal rehabilitation, and allow single stage resection and reconstruction in nonradiated patients.