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Palatal reconstruction with the palatal island flap
Brian A Moore1, Emad Magdy, James L Netterville
1Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. brian.moore@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
The Laryngoscope
|June 5, 2003
Summary
The palatal island flap effectively reconstructs defects after oral cancer surgery, preserving function with minimal complications. This reliable technique aids in recovery for patients with benign or malignant lesions.
Area of Science:
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Palatal defects arise from resecting benign and malignant lesions.
- Optimal reconstruction balances function and morbidity.
- The palatal island flap is a recognized technique for oral defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the palatal island flap in reconstructing postablative oral cavity defects.
- To assess functional outcomes and complications associated with this technique.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 10 patients undergoing palatal reconstruction with palatal island flaps.
- Inclusion criteria: resection of benign or malignant lesions at a head and neck cancer center since 1995.
- Data collected: tumor features, defect size, perioperative/postoperative management, complications, and functional impact.
Main Results:
- Ten patients (age 18-81) received palatal island mucoperiosteal flaps for benign/malignant tumors.
- Defect sizes ranged from 5-15 cm², with some extending to the nasal floor or skull base.
- Nine patients tolerated oral diets; no permanent velopharyngeal insufficiency, speech, or airway issues occurred. Minor complications included delayed re-epithelialization (1) and oronasal fistulae (2).
Conclusions:
- The palatal island mucoperiosteal flap is effective for hard and soft palate reconstruction.
- This technique offers low morbidity and few complications.
- It facilitates functional recovery after tumor resection.