Objective: To determine the two-dimensional (2D) characteristics of flaps necessary to create three-dimensional (3D) tongue anatomy.
Methods: Dissection of 11 fresh, nonpreserved human cadavers was performed. Six defects in each were created: total tongue, total oral tongue, hemiglossectomy, oral hemiglossectomy, total base of tongue, and hemi-base of tongue. The resections were debulked to create flat, 2D mucosal flaps. The dimensions and shapes of these flaps were determined.
Results: Each specimen showed consistent dimensions and geometry between cadavers. The total tongue was pear-shaped, the total oral tongue was egg-shaped, the oral hemi-tongue was bullet-shaped, the hemi-tongue resembled a dagger, the total base of tongue was rectangular, and the hemi-base of tongue was hour-glass shaped.
Conclusion: Typical dimensions and shapes of common tongue defects were determined. It is conceivable that customizing reconstructive flaps based on these data will increase the accuracy of neo-tongue reconstruction, and thus, improve functional outcomes.
Keywords: free flap; head and neck cancer; oral cancer; oropharyngeal cancer; reconstructive surgery; tongue reconstruction.
© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.