The following is a summary of “Functional outcomes and complications of total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation and flap reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” published in the June 2023 issue of the Oral Oncology by Russo et al.
The objective is to examine the functional results and complications of total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation and reconstruction using free or pedicled flaps. Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched. For feeding tube dependence (FTD), tracheostomy dependence (TD), and speech intelligibility (SI), a single-arm meta-analysis was conducted.
As secondary outcomes, post-operative sequelae and complications were evaluated. About 642 patients (median age: 54,2 years; 95% CI: 52,1–58) were included in the study. After a median of 12 months, functional assessment was performed (n = 623/642; 95% CI: 10.6–12). Cumulatively, the FTD rate was 22.9% (n = 188/627; 95% CI: 10.2–38.7), the TD rate was 7.3% (n = 95/549; 95% CI: 1.9–15.8), and the SI was 91.1% (n = 314/409; 95% CI: 80.7%97.8%). The cumulative rate of complications was 33.1% (592/642 cases).
Primary fistula occurred in 18 patients (n = 18/592; 3.0%), while aspiration pneumonia occurred in 17 patients (n = 17/592; 2.8%). Total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation and pedicled/free flaps reconstruction may ensure functional outcomes and a satisfactory quality of life. Additional prospective studies are advised to define clinical guidelines for correctly selecting patients and flaps.
Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1368837523001112