Surgical reconstruction versus prosthetic obturation of extensive soft palate defects: a comparison of speech outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
The restoration of speech after an extensive resection of the soft palate has been a challenge faced by both prosthodontists and surgeons. Few comparisons between prosthetic rehabilitations and surgical reconstructions of large soft palate defects exist in equally matched groups of patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate speech outcomes in patients with soft palate defects that were rehabilitated with either a pharyngeal obturator or surgical reconstruction.


METHODS
Nine patients who were treated via prosthetic obturation were compared to nine patients who underwent surgical reconstruction of the oropharynx with a radial forearm free flap and a soft palate insufficiency repair modification. Speech intelligibility data, perceptual ratings of resonance, and aeromechanical measurements of velopharyngeal function were collected.


RESULTS
There were no differences in any of the speech outcome measures between the two groups of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies should focus on the patient's perspective on rehabilitative options and potential quality of life issues.
Rieger
Jana
J
Faculty Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. jana.rieger@ualberta.ca
Bohle Iii
George
G
Huryn
Joseph
J
Tang
Judith Lam
JL
Harris
Jeffrey
J
Seikaly
Hadi
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D010156:Palatal Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000628:therapy