Effect of Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap Repair on the Appearance, Language and Masticatory Function of Oral Cancer Patients after Radical Surgery

Abstract

The purpose was to explore the application effect of anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTP) and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap on repairing the tissue defects after oral cancer surgery.

Methods: 100 oral cancer patients treated in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects. After both groups of patients received extended resection of tumors, neck lymph node dissection and other routine treatment, the control group was repaired by pectoralis major myocutaneous flap while the study group was repaired by ALTP to compare the flap survival rate, language, masticatory function and other related indicators between the two groups. Results: The flap harvesting time and defect repair time in the control group were shorter than those in the study group (P<0.05); The language, masticatory function and swallowing function in both groups after treatment were significantly better than those before treatment (P<0.05); The total incidence of complications in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); After treatment, the quality of life scores in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Both ALTP and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap can be used to repair the tissue defects after radical resection of oral cancer, which can effective improve the postoperative appearance, language and masticatory function of oral cancer patients. However, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has easier operation and shorter operation time while ALTP can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative complications with higher safety.