1995 Volume 58 Issue 5 Pages 377-383
There have been many publications on recent advancements in microsurgery, and particularly on the use of the myocutaneous free flap to repair major defects in the head and neck. The value and versatility of the rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap using microvascular surgical techniques is that it permits the transfer of a large flap in one operation. The two cases reported here deal with reconstruction of the tongue and lower face after cancer surgery.
Case 1
A 51-year-old male was given 30 Gy using a Cobalt 60 unit, and 5,616 cgy of interstitial Ir192 radiation because of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue that had metastasized to the left submandibular area, mandible and skin. Wide excision of the tumor with subtotal-glossectomy produced a defect in the tongue, mandible and cutaneous tissues. A rectus abdominis free flap was transferred to the defect.
Case 2
A 65-year-old male with an advanced squamous cell carcinoma in the floor of the mouth (T4N2cM0) was treated by bilateral conservative neck dissection and segmental resection of the mandible with subtotal-glossectomy, after preoperative radiation of 30 Gy using a Linac unit. The defect was repaired with a rectus abdominis free flap. Wound healing and convalescence were uneventful.
