Objectives/hypothesis: The temporalis myofascial flap (TMF) is a method of palatal reconstruction that offers a single-stage, reliable, and functional technique to repair oncologic defects involving the oral cavity following tumor removal. It is hypothesized that both speech and swallowing function are preserved following TMF.
Study design: In a retrospective and prospective case series, this study evaluated the surgical outcomes of 72 patients undergoing surgical resection and reconstruction of the hard and soft palate using a TMF. Of this series, 25 patients underwent nasalence and swallowing quality-of-life testing to determine speech and swallowing function following this procedure.
Methods: Reliability, safety, and effectiveness data endpoints on TMF reconstruction were collected and analyzed. Instrumental measures of nasalence (KayPentax Nasometer, Lincoln Park, NJ) and swallowing quality of life measures (MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory [MDADI] were acquired.
Results: All TMF's were successfully transferred with complete healing of the oncologic defect. The group mean nasalence for connected speech tasks were within normal limits for connected speech--high- and low-pressure tasks (M = 21% and M = 17%). The group mean nasalence scores for sustained vowels were mildly affected (M = 26%). The group mean MDADI score was 79 (SD = 16), indicating good to mildly affected swallowing quality of life. Neither nasalence nor MDADI scores appeared to vary as a function of defect region.
Conclusions: The TMF is an oncologically safe and effective method of palate reconstruction that affords excellent quality of life to appropriately selected patients without reliance on other reconstructive techniques.
Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.