Demographic properties and functional result analysis of patients with palatal defects reconstructed with microvascular tissue transfer

Abstract

Background: Palatal defects are still challenging for the reconstructive surgeon since the palate carries important functional roles in swallowing and articulating while providing an adequate airway. The aim of this article is to discuss the preferred free flap types for palatal reconstruction and present the functional outcome. Material and Methods: Records of patients who underwent microsurgical palatal reconstruction between 2012 and 2017 were reviewed for demographic properties, defect properties, flap of choice, and complication rates. A questionnaire was applied to the patients for assessment of speech, swallowing, regurgitation, snoring, and overall satisfaction. Results: Four patients were operated for palatal defects with a mean size of 23.25 cm2. The most commonly used free flap was the radial forearm flap in our four patient series. All patients reported improvement for every functional criterion in the questionnaire. Conclusion: Free flaps are an acceptable method for restoring palatal function. Radial forearm free flap was the flap of choice for reconstruction of large palatal defects in this retrospective review.

Keywords

• anterolateral thigh flap
• microsurgery
• palatal reconstruction
• radial forearm free flap