These investigations demonstrated proper swallowing without aspiration or regurgitation in all cases. Values of 60% of normal pressure behind the palate have been achieved after palate reconstruction with a pressure slope directed into the hypopharynx. Decannulation was possible on average 34 days postoperatively, removal of the feeding tube on average 29 days postoperatively. Now 87% of our patients are free of tumor after a mean observation time of 24 months. In light of the fact that two-thirds of all patients suffered from advanced carcinoma, results can be considered as good. This study shows good functional and oncologic results after tissue reconstruction of the soft palate.

Deep injuries to the parotid region may result in trauma to vital structures: i.e., the parotid gland and duct and the facial nerve and its branches. While there is no doubt concerning primary microsurgical reconstruction of injuries to the facial nerve clinical approaches for treating disruptions of the parotid duct have been controversial. A case report is presented of a secondarily reanastomosed parotid duct following complete transection. The microsurgical technique and its indications are discussed.

Both transplants are fasciocutaneous and optional innervated, they offer a constant anatomy and can be harvested simultaneously without interference to the head and neck team. Because of the specific characteristics of these flaps we prefer the radial forearm flap for soft tissue reconstruction. We use the lateral upper arm flap, if a forearm flap cannot be harvested, for head or neck augmentation and for reconstruction of large and deep defects.

By using high-speed cineradiography it is possible to make a detailed description of the swallowing function after extensive surgical treatment of pharyngeal and oral cavity cancer. We think that high-speed cineradiography is a very sensitive diagnostic procedure capable of detecting all functional aspects of swallowing. High-speed cineradiography should be one of the standard diagnostic studies performed surgery of the oral cavity and pharynx.