ISSN: 1859 - 2872
Results of reconstruction of defects after tongue cancer resection with submental flap at 108 Military Central Hospital: Case series report
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Abstract
Introduction: Tongue cancer is one of the most common oral malignancies. Radical surgery often results in large defects that severely impair swallowing, speech, and aesthetics. The submental flap has been considered a reliable reconstructive option for medium-sized tongue defects, offering shorter operative time, technical simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. Objective: To evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of tongue reconstruction using the submental flap at the 108 Military Central Hospital. Subject and method: A case series of 24 patients with tongue cancer who underwent tumor resection and submental flap reconstruction between 2019 and 2025 was analyzed. Postoperative assessments at 3 months included swallowing, speech, tongue mobility, taste, and aesthetic outcomes, measured with semi-quantitative scoring systems. Result: The mean patient age was 55.3 ± 12.3 years, with males accounting for 66.7%. Good swallowing recovery was achieved in 91.7% of cases, satisfactory speech in 12.5%, good tongue mobility in 33.3%, and favorable aesthetic outcomes in 33.3%. No major complications or total flap loss were observed. Conclusion: The submental flap is a safe, effective, and feasible option for tongue reconstruction following cancer resection. It is particularly advantageous for patients unfit for microsurgery or in settings where microsurgical techniques are not available.
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References
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