Applications of Extracellular Matrix Biomaterial in Tongue Reconstruction

Abstract

Tongue neoplasms are common in the head and neck region and are primarily treated through surgical interventions. Various reconstruction techniques, such as primary closure, skin grafts, skin substitute biomaterials, and free tissue transfer, are used to address the resulting defects. This study provides an overview of our experience utilizing extracellular matrix-based biomaterials (ECM) for the reconstruction of tongue defects and evaluates the mean volumetric size of postsurgical tongue. This retrospective case series evaluated subjects with tongue defects secondary to benign or malignant resections who underwent reconstruction with ECM-based biomaterials at Ascension Hospital from July 2022 to May 2023. Descriptive variables were collected, and descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. The primary outcome was the volume of postsurgical defect reconstructed. Twenty-five subjects were included: 10 had benign pathology and 15 had malignancy. The mean reconstructed defect volume was 12.65 cm3, ranging between 2 and 35 cm3. Postoperative bleeding, mainly linked to anticoagulation medication, occurred in 20% (n=5) of the cases, and the rate of need for additional procedures was 8%. In conclusion, ECM-based biomaterials are suitable for reconstructing varying sizes of postsurgical tongue defects with no donor-site morbidity. Carefully considering patient factors, including anticoagulation medication use and defect volume, is essential in optimizing outcomes.