[A review of 15 years of experience in using the musculo-mucosal lingual flap]. / 15 ani de experienta in utilizarea lamboului musculo-mucozal lingual.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: In the past 15 years (1991-2005) we used the muscular-mucosal lingual flap with posterior pedicle for 82 patients. RESULTS: The main indication has been the reconstruction of the residual defects after resection of the mucosal mouth floor carcinomas (especially those located in the anterior third of the mouth or with gingival and alveolar invasion) or after resection of the gingival-alveolar mandible carcinomas with invasion of the mouth floor. Deglutition and phonation have been fully recovered at 14 to 20 days post-surgery, with temporary alterations during radiotherapy, due to radiation-induced mucositis. Mobility of the remaining of the tongue was acceptable and physiotherapy had a significant impact in recovering an intelligible phonation and for better mastication and deglutition due to compensatory hypertrophy of the lingual musculature. CONCLUSION: The muscular-mucosal lingual flap remains a good technical alternative for surgical reconstruction especially for advanced-age patients, heavy smokers or alcohol-consumers, patients with prior radiation therapy or patients with precarious co-operation for more advanced reconstructive techniques.