Free radial forearm flap and anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects: A comparison of quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the retrospective study was to compare the differences of quality of life (QOL) outcomes 2 or more years postoperatively between the free radial forearm flap (FRFF) and anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) in reconstruction of defects of a hemiglossectomy. METHODS: Ninety patients who had a lapse >/=2 years since the reconstructive flap surgery were evaluated by the University of Washington quality of life scale (UW-QOL), and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck (PSS-HN). RESULTS: Patients in the FRFF group reported statistically and clinically significantly better scores in the recreation, swallowing, chewing and speech domains of the UW-QOL compared with those in the ALTF group (P < .05). Similarly, FRFF provided better results in the understandability of speech and normalcy of diet of the PSS-HN, than the ALTF (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: FRFF had the advantage of oral functions, such as chewing, speech and swallowing, over the ALTF for reconstruction of defect of half of the tongue. These results may provide useful information for surgeons to select a suitable free flap for tongue reconstruction.