[The central island tongue flap for the reconstruction of the anterior floor of the mouth].

Background: There are several techniques described for the reconstruction of the anterior floor of mouth after tumour surgery. Here, we point out the advantages of the central island tongue flap for this indication.

Patients and methods: We report on 20 patients with medium sized defect in the anterior floor of mouth, which was reconstructed with the central island tongue flap. Besides this surgical technique, we discuss the results of oral rehabilitation after a follow-up period of at least 3 months.

Results: There was now flap necrosis or loss, and the median time for flap formation was less than 45 min. In the follow-up we found successful oral rehabilitation in speech and swallowing.