Comparison Between Free Radial Forearm Flap And Anterolateral Thigh Flap For Reconstruction In Patients Underwent Glossectomy-a Quality Of Life Analysis

Objective:1.The purpose of the retrospective study was to compare the differences of quality of life(QOL)between the free radial forearm flap(FRFF)and anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF)for reconstruction of defects of a hemiglossectomy.2.Another purpose of the retrospective study was to compare the differences of the donor site morbidity between the free radial forearm flap(FRFF)and anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF)for tongue reconstruction.Methods:1.Ninety patients who underwent hemiglossectomy and received reconstruction of FRFF or ALTF were evaluated by the University of Washington quality of life scale(UW-QOL),and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck(PSS-HN)through a telephone interview.The differences of QOL between the FRFF group and the ALTF group were explored.2.One hundred and nineteen patients underwent FRFF or ALTF reconstruction were evaluated by a standardized self-established donor site morbidity questionnaire which included five domains,sensibility,movement disabilities,cosmetics,social activities and general impacts on the quality of life.Results:1.Patients in FRFF group reported statistically and clinically significant better scores in the recreation,swallowing,chewing and speech domains of the UW-QOL compared with those in ALTF group(P < 0.05).Similarly,FRFF provided better results in the understandability of speech and normalcy of diet of the PSS-HN,than the ALTF(P < 0.05).2.The Cronbach's coefficient alpha of the donor site morbidity questionnaire was 0.707.The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the 5 items of the questionnaire might load onto two distinct subscales.Patients with ALTF had higher scores in the sensibility,cosmetics and composite score(P < 0.05).No significant differences were found in the movement disabilities,social activities and general impacts on the quality of life between the two groups(P > 0.05).Conclusion:1.FRFF had the advantage of oral functions,such as chewing,speech and swallowing for reconstruction the defect of half of tongue.2.ALTF has the advantage of better results of donor site morbidity,such as sensibility and cosmetics.