2001 Volume 27 Issue 3 Pages 591-594
Surgical procedure of Median labiomandibular glossotomy for en-bloc resection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is described.
The lower lip is split in the midline and the incision is then carried vertically downward across the chin. The mandible is divided, after holes have been drilled in each bone end, to put in the titanium plate after the resection is completed. Then the whole tongue and floor of the mouth are split down the midline to the level of the hyoid bone. The two halves of the mandible and tongue are spread apart, giving excellent exposure of the nasopharynx and posterior wall of the oropharynx. After removal of the tumor, the whole defect is reconstructed by a radial forearm flap, to protect the carotid artery.
Median labiomandibular glossotomy is a unique approach to expose the nasopharynx, where obtaining wide surgical access is difficult. The advantages of this approach are minimal bleeding, avoidance of nerve injury, and excellent functional and cosmetic results.
