A New Technique for Harvesting the Fasciomyocutaneus Infrahyoid Flap to Reconstruct Large Defects of Advanced Oral Tongue Cancer (Stages T3 and T4a)

The aim of this study is to introduce a new modification of fasciomyocutaneus infrahyoid flap with increased volume and longer durability to reduce the need for free flaps in reconstructions after oral tongue cancer surgeries.

Patients with advanced oral tongue cancers, especially those with base of tongue involvement, who traditionally required free flap reconstruction due to the large defects after resection, were included in the study. The large tongue defects were reconstructed using entire thyroid lobe on the tumor side as part of our new modification of the infrahyoid flap.

In patients reconstructed with the modified infrahyoid flap, none showed evidence of necrosis or complications such as flap atrophy after surgery or over time.

Inclusion of the tumor-side thyroid lobe in the infrahyoid flap provides additional volume compared to previous modifications, potentially leading to more widespread use of this flap in oncological surgeries of the oral tongue. Furthermore, this technique may reduce the need for free flaps in more advanced stages, offering a less invasive and more accessible option for reconstructive surgeries.