Free profunda femoris artery perforator flap as a first-line choice of reconstruction for partial glossectomy defects

Background: Free profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has recently been brought back for head and neck reconstruction. During the course of 1 year, we performed this procedure for reconstruction of partial glossectomy defects with excellent results. Methods: From January through December 2015, 21 patients underwent partial glossectomy reconstruction with PAP flaps. Demographics, surgical technique, anatomic variations, success rates, complications, and characteristics are described. Swallowing and speech results after reconstruction are evaluated. Results: No donor-site complications were observed. Two cases presented complications potentially related to the flap (1 hematoma and 1 prolonged intubation) that were treated successfully. Deglutition and speech assessment resulted in fair to excellent swallowing capacity in all patients. Speech score resulted 4/5 to 5/5 in all patients at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: The PAP flap should be considered one of the first-line options for hemiglossectomy reconstruction, receiving special consideration in the high-risk population in which future complex reconstructions could be needed.