Using the PRAAT software to describe dependence of speech intelligibility on tongue mobility in 6 patients after salvage glossectomy and reconstruction with a serratus anterior free flap

Chemosensory Functions After Glossectomy-A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate potential interactions and compensatory mechanisms of subjectively impaired taste function with ortho- and retronasal olfaction after glossectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

In this cross-sectional pilot study, chemosensory functions were assessed in 25 patients with tongue carcinomas after glossectomy. The orthonasal-, retronasal-, and gustatory functions were tested with a mean time of 25 months after surgery with the Sniffin' Sticks odor identification test kit (ISST), the Candy Smell-27 test (CST-27) and the Taste strip test (TST). Visual analog scales (VAS) were additionally used for self-assessment of taste, flavor perception, and odor ranging from 0 (no perception) to 10 (excellent perception) and further correlated with our psychophysical evaluated outcome measures.

RESULTS

The TST, ISST, and CST-27 tests revealed that only eight (32%) and 13 (52%) glossectomy patients had normal taste and orthonasal function, e 21 (84%) patients showed normal retronasal function. Importantly, neither extent of resection and reconstruction nor prior radiotherapy affected chemosensory functions. Contrary, 20 (80%) patients rated their taste and flavor perception as acceptable (VAS >5). Results of the TST, ISST, and CST-27 tests did not correlate with the equivalent self-assessments of taste (p = 0.260, r = 0.234), odor (p = 0.588, r = -0.114), and flavor (p = 0.728, r = 0.073) perception.

CONCLUSION

There was a significant discrepancy between self-perception of taste and flavor and assessed gustatory function after glossectomy. A contribution of the intact retronasal olfactory system could be a possible explanation of our results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 133:375-382, 2023.

Using the DASH Questionnaire to Evaluate Donor Site Morbidity of the Serratus Anterior Free Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study

Objective: To evaluate donor site morbidity of the serratus anterior free flap (SAFF) in head and neck reconstruction. Methods: The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire (0 no disability to 100 most severe disability) was applied to 20 patients (M: 16; F: 4) who underwent ablative surgery and reconstruction of the head and neck using a SAFF. Applications, as well as the donor site, recipient site and flap-related complications, were evaluated. Results: SAFF was mainly used for tongue (n = 11; 55.0%) and pharyngeal reconstruction after a laryngopharyngectomy (n = 4; 20.0%). The majority of patients presented with stage IV disease (n = 12; 60%) and had undergone previous radiotherapy (n = 14; 70%). Our free flap survival rate was 88.9% and the pectoralis major muscle flap (PMMF) was used in 5 patients as a salvage option to reconstruct pharyngeal defects. The mean/median DASH score was 21.6/19.9 (healthy norm 10.1), indicating only mild to moderate disability. However, free flap failure and the additional harvest of PMMF multiplies donor site morbidity since it was associated with a 3- and 2.6-times higher DASH score (46.0 vs. 15.5; p = 0.039 and 39.9 vs. 15.47; p = 0.081). Conclusions: The SAFF represents a versatile flap for head and neck reconstruction with low donor site morbidity.