USE OF POSTERIORLY BASED TONGUE FLAP IN RECONSTRUCTION OF INTRAORAL MAXILLARY SOFT TISSUE DEFECTS FOLLOWING EXCISION OF MAXILLARY BENIGN SOFT TISSUE TUMORS

Aim of the study: The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of posterior-based tongue flap for reconstruction and restoring function and esthetics of intraoral posterior maxillary soft tissue defects following surgical excision of large maxillary benign soft tissue granulomas.
Patients and methods: This study was carried out on 10 female patients aged from 37 to 55 years (men age: 46) who had been planned for treatment with posterior-based tongue flap procedure for reconstruction of intraoral maxillary soft tissue defects following surgical excision of large maxillary benign soft tissue tumors and/or granulomas. The first sessions were carried out under general anesthesia and aimed to surgical excision of the tumor and reconstruction the soft tissue defects with posterior-based tongue flap. In the second session, the pedicle was divided under local anesthesia. Between the first and second sessions, the period of time needed was 15 to 21 days. The proximal part of the pedicle was returned to the donor site in the second session. Postoperative clinical follow up and recall was scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively.
Results: All the flaps survived but one flap had temporary venous congestion after flap division. No recurrence was noted. Good aesthetic and functional results were achieved. No post-operative wound dehiscence and wound infection were recorded. The soft tissue contour at the recipient sites was clinically satisfactory.
Conclusion: Despite the disadvantages of being an interpolation flap which requires a second session and good patient cooperation, posterior-based tongue flap is a choice for reconstruction of intraoral posterior maxillary soft tissue defects following surgical excision of large maxillary benign soft tissue tumors or granulomas with its highly vascular structure, good mobility, localization, texture match, and low donor area morbidity.