Abstract:

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the value of free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap (ALTMF) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the reconstruction of mouth-floor defects after the resection of middle-late stage carcinoma of the mouth floor. Methods Sixteen cases of middle-late stage carcinomas of the mouth floor underwent radical resection, and mouth-floor and tongue defects were reconstructed with ALTMF. CTA was applied to plan the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and its perforating vessel, which was verified during the operation. Results The position of the perforating vessel in the operation was fully consistent with that designed by the preoperative CTA. All 16 flaps completely survived. The appearance and function of all cases were both satisfactory. All donor sites were primarily closed and healed without functional morbidity. During the follow-up period of 6–36 months, 15 cases survived with acceptable aesthetic and functional results in mouth floor and tongue reconstruction, except for 1 case (T4N2M0) that died of metastasis carcinoma 10 months after operation. Conclusion CTA can accurately locate the LCFA and artery perforator. Preoperative perforator planning using CTA in ALTMF transplantation is a reliable and useful method thatresults in safe operation with optimal outcome. The ALTMF is an ideal choice for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects after the resection of middle-late stage carcinoma of the mouth floor.

Key words: carcinoma of mouth floor, defect, computed tornography angiography, anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap, reconstruction