Background: Functional reconstruction of extensive soft-palate defects is challenging for microsurgeons. The versatility of the combination of a free anterolateral thigh flap and a superiorly based pharyngeal flap for oncologic soft-palate reconstruction was investigated.
Methods: The combination of flaps was used for immediate reconstruction after total or subtotal resection of the soft palate in five consecutive patients from 2006 to 2011.
Results: All flaps survived completely. Palatal fistula and miniplate infection each developed in one patient but healed conservatively. Follow-up period ranged from 21 to 66 months. All patients tolerated a regular diet without significant aspiration or nasal regurgitation. Speech intelligibility was excellent in all patients, and none required a palatal prosthesis.
Conclusions: The combination of an anterolateral thigh flap and a superiorly based pharyngeal flap is a versatile option for reconstructing extensive soft-plate defects. This method is simple and achieves reproducible results with limited donor-site morbidity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:291-296, 2016.
© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.