Abstract
We present O-T advancement reconstruction (OTAR) in lateral tongue defects, describing technique, indications, outcomes, and limitations. 11 patients with lateral tongue defects who underwent OTAR after earlystage cancer removal. Demographics, staging, functional oral intake scale (FOIS), dysphagia outcome severity scale (DOSS), defect size, and complications were included. Functional outcomes assessed through telephone encounters. Preoperative FOIS and DOSS were 6.9 and 6.8, postoperatively were 4.8 and 5. Mean defect of 4.7 cm × 3.4 cm. Nine patients required nasogastric tubes postoperatively. Site complications included 2 minor dehiscence. By telephone, tongue-biting was reported in 3, mild dysarthria in 3, and food impaction in 2. FOIS and DOSS were 6.7 and 6.5. Reconstruction of tongue defects may be achieved with OTAR as a reliable alternative to primary closure or even more complex microvascular techniques. Utilization may preserve functional swallowing and speech outcomes, most probably due to lateral sulcus sparing features.