Primary Reconstruction of Palatal Defects

Abstract

Removal of the soft palate can cause marked functional deficit in deglutition and phonation. Most commonly, treatment of this deformity with prosthetic obturation has been less than ideal. Numerous reconstructive techniques have met with only partial success, while deforming distant structures. We will present a technique of reconstruction of the soft palate by use of a superiorly based pharyngeal flap. It has been used successfully in five patients who underwent soft palatectomy for malignant disease. The flaps have been the full width of the pharynx and extended down to the esophageal inlet. Viability of the flap is excellent, and the donor site is allowed to heal by secondary intention. Excellent function has been achieved in all cases with no compromise of oncological principles.