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FREE TENSOR FASCIA LATA MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO FREE SUPERTHIN ANTEROLATERAL THIGH FLAP IN TONGUE RECONSTRUCTION

Yavuz TULUY 1, MD; Aydin Görkem ÖZDEMİR 1, MD; Eray UZUNOĞLU 2, MD; Ali Oğuzhan VAROL 1, MD;
1Izmir Bakırçay University Çiğli Training and Research Hospital, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, İzmir, Türkiye
2Izmir Bakırçay University Çiğli Training and Research Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, İzmir, Türkiye Background: Tongue plays an important role in performing speech and swallowing functions. In this study, the clinical results of patients who underwent tongue reconstruction using a free tensor fascia lata (TFL) myocutaneous flap after changing the surgical plan during surgery in patients who were not suitable for a free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) were shared.

Patients and Methods: Between March 2024 and March 2025, patients who underwent partial or total glossectomy and defect reconstruction with a free TFL myocutaneous flap were included in the study. Demographic data, complications, revision surgeries, and follow-up periods were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: One patient underwent total glossectomy, while three patients underwent hemiglossectomy followed by reconstruction. All flaps were viable, and no necrosis was observed. The mean follow-up period was 8±2.1 months. One patient died due to gastrostomy complications. The other 3 patients can consume all soft foods. Approximately two weeks after surgery, patients no longer required written communication, and their speech became more intelligible after the first month as swelling subsided.

Conclusion: The free TFL myocutaneous flap is an alternative to the ALT flap in tongue reconstruction, which can be thinned after dissection and has a constant anatomical structure. Keywords : Tongue reconstruction, free tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap, ALT flap