The anterolateral thigh fold-over flap for total and subtotal glossectomy reconstruction

Background

We present a fold-over technique for total and subtotal glossectomy reconstruction utilizing the ALT flap with the goal of increasing soft tissue bulk.

Methods

Retrospective review of total and subtotal glossectomy patients undergoing ALT fold-over flap reconstruction from January 2007 to December 2012.

Results

Eight patients fit inclusion criteria. Average length of follow-up was 35 months. There were no flap failures. At last follow-up, no patients were tracheostomy dependent. Six out of 8 patients (75%) did not require a g-tube and were able to maintain their weight. Speech intelligibility was good in 6/8 patients (75%).

Conclusions

The ALT fold-over flap technique provides sufficient bulk to allow decannulation and airway protection as well as PO intake in most patients. Given the minimal donor site morbidity, it is our technique of choice for total and subtotal glossectomy defects. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2016.

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