Velopharyngeal function after free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in lateral and superior oropharyngeal cancer

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Oct;272(10):3019-26. doi: 10.1007/s00405-014-3279-9. Epub 2014 Sep 21.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report our experience with the free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of the oropharynx and soft palate in head and neck cancer using a retrospective review of the medical charts of all patients undergoing oropharyngeal reconstruction by free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap during the same procedure as cancer resection between January 2011 and April 2013. Evaluation of speech, feeding and the presence of nasal emissions was performed 6 months after treatment in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Nine patients were evaluated. Clear understanding of the patient was reported by the family and the examiner for seven patients, while understanding difficulties were reported for two patients (1 case of flap dehiscence and 1 technical error of flap fixation). The results indicated that, due to its complex anatomy and function, reconstruction of the soft palate remains a delicate procedure. The free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap allows functional soft palate reconstruction, while limiting donor site morbidity.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Female
  • France
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Palate, Soft* / pathology
  • Palate, Soft* / physiopathology
  • Palate, Soft* / surgery
  • Perforator Flap / blood supply*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures* / methods
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures* / rehabilitation
  • Recovery of Function
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / diagnosis
  • Thoracic Arteries
  • Treatment Outcome