The versatility of the lateral tongue flap in the reconstruction of defects of the oral cavity.

The full thickness, posteriorly based, lateral tongue flap is described and the excellence of the blood supply is emphasised. The surgical technique is discussed and the application of the flap in the reconstruction of defects of the palate, cheek and floor of the mouth is illustrated. The versatility of the method is stressed, together with advantages over regional skin flaps when used for the same purpose.