Mom had a right radial arm flap taken to cover the surgical site. It failed and was removed on 7/26. She failed the swallow test and had to have a PEG tube placed. Went home with a trach and PEG on 8/7. She is struggling to talk. She is suppose to go back to the surgeon on 8/29 to determine if they will retry another flap. They were told that it did not heal due to the previous radiation in the area. If the first one did not take, what are the chances that a new one will?
I got a copy of the op report today - the tumor on the base of her tongue was 8 cm x 6 cm (pathology report stated 7 cm x 4 cm x 1.5 cm). It extended from posterior third of the tongue down to the epiglottis. The lingual nerve was in the tumor and was 'sacrificed". From what I have read, this nerve is responsible for sensation of the front part of the tongue and mouth. If this is severed, and she can not feel food in her mouth, does it still make sense to have another surgery? To my knowledge, Mom has no knowledge of the nerve damage - we just got the op report from her family doctor. Don't want her to go through more surgery if it is not warranted.