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Facial Plast Surg 2021; 37(05): 681-687
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726445
Original Research

Preliminary Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Tongue Reconstruction with the Vastus Lateralis Myofascial Free Flap

Armando De Virgilio
1   Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
2   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
,
Andrea Costantino 
1   Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
2   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
,
Raul Pellini
3   Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
,
Gerardo Petruzzi
3   Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
,
Giuseppe Mercante
1   Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
2   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
,
Jacopo Zocchi
3   Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
,
Tiziana Mondello 
2   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
,
Valerio Conti
2   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
,
Giuseppe Spriano
1   Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
2   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
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Abstract

The aim of the present study is to report our preliminary experience with the vastus lateralis myofascial free flap (VLMFF) for tongue reconstruction according to tongue and donor site functional outcomes. Twelve consecutive patients (F: 5; median age: 54.0 years, interquartile range or IQR 42.75–69.0) were included. The validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer of the Head and Neck 35 Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and the performance status scale for head and neck cancer (PSS-HN) questionnaires were used to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used to self-report the donor area function. All patients were successfully treated, and no VLMFF failure was detected during a median follow-up period of 10.5 months (IQR: 6.5–33.0). The HRQOL showed a median EORTC QLQ-H&N35 score of 56.0 (IQR: 50.0–72.5). The median PSS-HN score was 80.0 (IQR: 45.0–95.0), 75.0 (IQR: 62.5–100.0), 75.0 (IQR: 62.5–100.0) for “Normalcy of Diet,” “Public Eating,” and “Understandability of Speech,” respectively. The self-reported function of the lower extremities (donor area) showed a median LEFS of 59.0 (IQR: 32.5–74.0). This study reports optimistic data regarding the functional and quality of life outcomes after tongue reconstruction using VLMFF. Prospective controlled studies are needed to demonstrate advantages and disadvantages when compared with other reconstructive techniques.

Keywords

microsurgery - free flap reconstruction - functional outcome - quality of life


Publication History

Article published online:
26 April 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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