title: 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.
authors.affiliation: The Clinic of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Hasharon Hospital, Golda Medical Center, Petach-Tiqwa, Israel.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zohar
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Buler
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shvilli
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sabo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000601:surgery*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010157:Palatal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques