[The use of tongue flaps for oral tissue repair]

Abstract

Pedicled tongue flaps have proven to be an effective method of repairing defects due to tissue loss in the oral cavity. Their rich vascular supply, mobility and close proximity to the lesion (lips, palate, floor of the mouth, cheek mucosa, oro- and hypopharynx) make the use of these flaps feasible in a variety of sites. After a review of the vascularity of the tongue, the possibilities of reconstruction will be discussed. The surgical procedure will be briefly documented with some clinical cases.