Recent experience with reconstructive surgery following major glossectomy

Abstract

In an attempt to monitor the impact of new reconstructive procedures and shifting interest away from routine preoperative radiotherapy, we have reviewed the 81 patients undergoing major glossectomy and reconstruction (MGR) at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Surrey, England, between 1975 and 1987. While there were four marginal and 13 major reconstructive failures, 11 of the latter were successfully managed with an alternative flap, thus providing a prompt and effective palliation for most of these patients. An evolution in our choice of reconstructive procedures as well as a recent trend toward using MGR as a primary therapeutic modality were noted. Data relating to speech following reconstruction and diet rehabilitation were encouraging, particularly with the use of the latissimus dorsi flap. Survival following MGR, however, was dismal due to early local and regional recurrence.