Evaluation of swallowing function after intraoral soft tissue reconstruction with microvascular free flaps

This study assessed swallowing function after tumour resection and reconstruction utilizing free vascularized flap closures in patients with oral cancer. Swallowing function was evaluated postoperatively in 23 patients (21 men and 2 women) who had undergone reconstruction with either a lateral upper arm free flap (LUFF, n= 16) or a radial forearm free flap (RFFF, n=7). Videofluoroscopy was used to assess tongue mobility and abnormalities of swallowing function. All patients who underwent reconstruction with LUFF or RFFF free flaps had decreased tongue mobility, except for the tip of the tongue. Patients who underwent anterior or posterior resection had greater decreases in tongue mobility than those who under-went medial resection. Swallowing impairment was similar in patients with LUFFs and those with RFFFs. Anterior resection of the oral cavity had a significant negative effect on swallowing function. Silent aspiration occurred in five patients. In conclusion the resection site affected swallowing function, but the type of flap did not, in patients with oral carcinoma, who underwent tumour resection with reconstruction.