Abstract:

Objective   This study aims to investigate the feasibility of tongue reconstruction by a rectus abdominis muscu-loperitoneal flap with neurovascular pedicled in a canine model. Methods   Twelve Beagle dogs were enrolled to the experi-ment. The animals were randomly divided into three groups, two of which (group A and B) had nerve anastomosis. The left sides were experimental sides, whereas the right sides were control sides. Twelve weeks after operation, electrophysiological test was performed to detect hypoglossal nerve latency amplitude and conduction velocity as well as to evaluate the reinner-vation of the rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal flap. Results   Among the 12 Beagle dogs, nine animal tongue reconstruc-tion models by rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal flap with neurovascular pedicled were successful, whereas one male Beagle dog died from ventral hernia 3 d after the operation, two female rectus peritoneal flaps were abandoned because their arterial anatomy differed from the male, which was not ideal. Hypoglossal nerve conduction velocity of group A and B were restored to the normal side of the 40%, 30%. Conclusion   Animal models of tongue reconstruction can be established by a rectus abdo-minis musculoperitoneal flap with neurovascular pedicled in Beagle dogs. Denervated rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal flap can regain hypoglossal nerve innervation. Hypoglossal nerve functions partly recover.

Key words: rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal flap, hypoglossal nerve, animal model, electrophysiological test