Soft palate functional reconstruction with buccinator myomucosal island flaps

Oropharyngeal reconstruction after ablative surgery is a challenge. The results of a retrospective study of 17 patients who underwent total or sub-total soft palate reconstruction with a buccinator myomucosal island flap, between 2008 and 2016, are reported herein. An analysis of flap type and size, harvesting time, and postoperative complications was performed. Patients underwent standardized tests to assess the recovery of sensitivity, deglutition, quality of life (QoL), and donor site morbidity, at>6 months after surgery or the end of adjuvant therapy, if performed.

Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - December 7, 2017 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: O. Massarelli, L.A. Vaira, R. Gobbi, A. Biglio, G. Dell ’aversana Orabona, G. De Riu Tags: Clinical Paper Source Type: research