[Reconstruction of the palate vault by free forearm cutaneous flap in oncology]

Surgical reconstruction after partial superior maxillectomy raises a major functional challenge and postoperative recovery implies difficult prosthetic rehabilitation. Between 1989 and 2000, 23 free radial forearm flap reconstruction were performed for palate defects. Twenty-two patients were treated for cancer-related defects and one patient for a non-malignant tumor. Immediate reconstruction was performed in 21 cases and delayed reconstruction in 2. Radiation therapy had been given prior to surgery in 7 patients, Flap necrosis occurred in 2 patients who had surgery alone. Deglutition and phonation outcome was satisfactory in all patients. Trismus was the most frequent complication (7 cases). The free radial forearm flap is the gold standard surgical treatment for superior maxillary defects. In these patients, and exclusive skin flap enables complete reconstruction.