Abstract: Objective To compare the subjective satisfaction of the free radial forearm flap (FRFF) and anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) of the donor site after surgical reconstruction for tongue cancer. Methods A total of 121 consecutive patients underwent FRFF or ALTF reconstruction after ablative surgery for untreated, primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma at Tianjin Stomatological Hospital and Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from August 2011 to October 2014 were enrolled in this study. The subjective satisfaction of the donor site, including sensibility, movement disabilities, cosmetics, social activities and general impacts on the quality of life (QOL), was assessed by a self-established donor site morbidity questionnaire from October 2016 to January 2017. Results Of the 121 patients, 34 died because of cancer or other diseases, 2 were excluded because of recurrence after reconstruction surgery, 11 lost to contact, and 74 (61.2%) completed the questionnaires finally, which included 39 patients in FRFF group and 35 patients in ALTF group. The scores for sensibility, cosmetics, general impacts on the QOL and composite score were significantly higher in ALTF group than those of FRFF group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the movement disabilities and social activities between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion ALTF has the advantage of better results of donor site morbidity, less adverse effect on the general QOL, and higher subjective satisfaction.

Key words: tongue neoplasms, microsurgery, questionnaires, patient satisfaction, quality of life, free radial forearm flap, anterolateral thigh flap, donor site morbidity