Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the application of free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap in the repair of tongue defect and tongue reconstruction after radical resection of tongue carcinoma.MethodsFrom Dec 2008 to Jan 2016, 42 cases with tongue carcinoma underwent radical resection. Their tongues were reconstructed and the defects were simultaneously repaired with free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. The primary sites of carcinomas were located at lingual margin (n=22), ventral tongue (n=17) and mouth floor (n=3). The defect sizes after resection ranged from 6.5 cm×3.5 cm to 11.0 cm×7.5 cm. All the deep inferior epigastric arteries were anastomosed with superior thyroid arteries, while the venae comitans were anastomosed with superior thyroid venae or internal jugular venae.ResultsThe length, width and thickness of the flaps were (8.6±0.3) cm, (5.1±0.2) cm, and (2.3±0.5) cm respectively. The length of vascular pedicle was (9.6±0.4) cm. All flaps survived uneventfully, the donor sites got closed directly in all cases. The appearance of flaps was satisfying, only linear scar was left in the donor sites, and the function of rectus abdominis was not affected. All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months with satisfied esthetic and functional outcomes in reconstructed tongue. No local recurrence happened.ConclusionWith advantages of abundant tissue volume to reconstruct the defects of tongue and mouth floor, good texture, good appearance and function of the reconstructed tongue and minimal morbidity at donor site, the free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is a good choice for tongue defect reconstruction after resection of tongue carcinoma.