Dehradun : Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, has achieved a major milestone in advanced head and neck cancer care by successfully performing two complex tongue reconstruction surgeries—both representing the highest level of precision-driven oncological and reconstructive expertise available in the region. The landmark surgeries involved complete and partial tongue reconstruction using microvascular free-flap techniques, enabling patients with advanced tongue cancer to regain essential functions such as speech and swallowing.
Both surgeries were performed by a multidisciplinary team at Max Hospital, Dehradun, led by Dr. Saurabh Tiwari, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, and Dr. Chisel Bhatia, Consultant – Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery.
The first case involved 61-year-old Mr. Santosh Kumar, diagnosed with advanced tongue cancer. Despite receiving five cycles of chemotherapy elsewhere, his lesions continued to progress, extending across the midline and into the floor of the mouth. The team performed a complex surgery to remove the affected portion of the tongue and surrounding areas, followed by reconstruction using a Free Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Flap, where soft tissue from the thigh is shaped to function like a new tongue. He recovered steadily post-surgery with excellent flap viability and was discharged with a structured rehabilitation program for speech and swallowing.
The second case involved 53-year-old Mr. Virkhodar Singh Negi, who had cancer on the right side of his tongue, with the tumor extending into nearby tongue muscles. Surgeons removed the affected half of the tongue and reconstructed it using a Free Radial Artery Forearm Flap (RAFF)—a thin, flexible tissue harvested from the forearm and shaped to replace the removed portion. The flap was connected to the neck blood vessels using advanced microvascular techniques to ensure proper blood flow and mobility. The patient is recovering well with early improvement in speech and swallowing, and continues rehabilitation for full functional recovery.
Speaking about the cases, Dr. Saurabh Tiwari, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Max Hospital, Dehradun, said, “Timely diagnosis, coordinated multidisciplinary planning, and advanced reconstructive techniques are crucial in improving survival and quality of life for tongue cancer patients. Max Hospital’s expanding reconstructive capabilities allow patients in Uttarakhand and neighboring states to access world-class cancer treatment close to home.”
Further commenting on the surgeries, Dr. Chisel Bhatia, Consultant – Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, Max Hospital, Dehradun, said, “Free-flap tongue reconstruction is considered the gold standard for restoring oral function after major oncological surgery, yet it requires exceptional surgical precision, advanced operative infrastructure, and highly coordinated postoperative care.”
With these back-to-back successful outcomes, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge oncology care, advanced reconstructive surgery, and comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals battling complex head and neck cancers. The institution continues to set new benchmarks in clinical excellence, offering renewed hope and improved quality of life to patients across the region.
