Reconstruction of the Soft Palate by Uvulopalatal Flap

Abstract

Surgical removal of the soft palate in cases of neoplastic disease has a functionally detrimental effect on the patient, resulting in rhinolalia and nasal regurgitation. The authors describe their original surgical technique for repairing the lateral soft palate defect using a uvulopalatal flap. The flap is readily available and the procedure is single staged and without sequela. The aim of this reconstructive procedure is to obtain a diminished soft palate defect by primary surgery. In five patients who underwent a partial excision of the soft palate, the surgical defect was corrected at the time of initial surgery by a uvulopalatal flap. In this technique, the surface of the defect was diminished, postoperative rhinolalia and regurgitation were unremarkable, and sometimes an obturator was obviated. Using a local myomucosal flap, the procedure is simple, safe, and effective.

Efficacy of speech aid prostheses for acquired defects of the soft palate and velopharyngeal inadequacy—clinical assessments and cephalometric analysis: A Memorial Sloan-Kettering Study

“…The diagnosis, staging, and surgical resection areas were included and recorded in such detail as an attempt to compare our speech outcomes with patients in other studies who received microvascular flaps for similar surgeries. Most other studies report that most patients reconstructed with free flaps had tumors ranging from T1 to T3 9–15. Most of this study population had tumors ranging from T3 to T4.…”

Functional Role of Neural Injury in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

“…A greater bolus volume is required to elicit the swallowing reflex, swallowing onset latency is delayed, and bolus leakage throughout the pharynx occurs more frequently in OSA patients and snorers compared to controls (Zohar et al, 1998a; Teramoto et al, 1999; Jäghagen et al, 2000; Levring Jaghagen et al, 2003; Valbuza et al, 2011b). Inhibition of inspiration associated with swallowing is also less pronounced in OSA (Teramoto et al, 1999).…”

Extension of the facial artery musculomucosal flap to reconstruct a defect of the soft palate

“…Speech is adversely affected by excessive air escape and hypernasality [2]. In addition, swallowing results in nasal regurgitation of liquids and poor oropharyngeal passage of a bolus with higher risk of aspiration [3].…”