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Published on: September 8, 2023
Management of Palatal Defects after Free-Flap Reconstruction and Radiotherapy
Wesley McIlwain1, Jared Inman2, Arya Namin1
1Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas.
Abstract:
Palatal fistulas have significant effects on quality of life. Traditional prosthetic rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction of palate defects in radiation-naïve tissues are well described. However, palatal fistulas developing after initial tumor extirpation, free-flap reconstruction, and adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation are associated with challenging secondary tissue effects. In this review, we will discuss the management of palatal fistulas after surgical reconstruction and radiotherapy.

