Outcomes of tongue & floor reconstruction after cancer resection using the lateral arm flap in Vietnam

Objective. Evaluate outcome of using the lateral arm flap. Subject and method. A study was conducted on 61 patients (46 males, 15 females,with a mean age of 57.05 years, ranging from 27 to 77 years). A total of 61 lateral arm flaps were used for tongue and floor-of-mouth reconstruction following cancer resection. The post-resection defects included: partial tongue and floor of mouth defects (1/3 tonge and floor) 5/61 (8.19%), half tongue defects 38/61 (62.29%), 2/3 tongue defects 18/61 (29.50%). RFFF size: the smallest measured 5×10 cm, the largest 7×20 cm, with an average size of 5.87 (SD=0.42)×14.54 (SD=2.07) cm. Results. 61/61 flaps survived. The donor site was closed primarily in 51/60 cases, skin grafting in 10/61 cases. 24 month follow up showed 97.2% patients had normal or near normal function, 88.9% patients able to have normal diet, only 11.1% patients required soft diet. Conclusion. Lateral arm flap is a reliable reconstructive option for tongue and floor of mouth reconstruction after cancer resection