Prelaminated fasciomucosal flap using tongue mucosa in a rat model

Reconstruction of tongue defects from various causes has been a continuing challenge to reconstructive surgeons. If tongue mucosa is used in tongue reconstruction, some disadvantages of cutaneous flaps can be overcome, and also some functions of the tongue, like handling, compressing, and macerating of food, can be improved. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a prelaminated fasciomucosal flap, using rat tongue mucosa. The survival rate of prelamination and revascularization of the dorsal tongue mucosa graft was evaluated. Changes in the epithelial cell layer and tongue papilla over time were observed. Tongue mucosa graft prelamination was feasible in most cases, and the survival rate was 83.3 percent. The number of microvessels increased with time, and statistically significant positive correlations were observed (Spearman rank correlation r(s)=0.709 p<0.05). The results validated that it is possible to fabricate a fasciomucosal flap using tongue mucosa. However, the prelaminated flap should be transferred to the recipient site between 10 and 14 days after prelamination, to maintain the papillary morphology of the tongue.