Modified pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for the total glossectomy defects: Effect on quality of life

BACKGROUND: There is a general notion that, total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation leads to high dependency of tracheostomy and/or feeding tube. The objective of this study is to analyze the quality of life in terms of tube dependency following total glossectomy with a modified pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMC) reconstruction and laryngeal suspension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included consecutive patients operated from July 2012 to February 2015 proven advanced Carcinoma of tongue. We analyzed the time to wean off tracheostomy and feeding tube in 56 patients who underwent total glossectomy and a modified technique of PMMC reconstruction. RESULT: The median time for tracheostomy weaning was 10 days and nasogastric tube was 16 days. CONCLUSION: Modified technique of reconstruction with PMMC in total glossectomy is a viable option with minimal functional morbidity. Quality of life in terms of tracheostomy and feeding tube dependency is minimal. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:32-35. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.