[An original "double-arched" radial forearm flap for soft palate reconstruction. Case report]

Abstract

Introduction: Reconstruction of the soft palate after oncologic resection remains a surgical challenge. Speech and swallowing problems are the consequences of velopharyngeal incompetence following soft palate resection. Free tissue transfer like radial forearm flaps can be used in larger defects for complex reconstruction. The conformation of the flap in order to be closer to the shape of the soft palate improves the functional outcome. In the same way, we describe an original "double-arched" flap design.

Methods: A double arch of the exact length of the soft palate tumor resection is designed. After suturing, the flap spontaneously formed a double arch of the exact dimensions of the resected piece.

Results: The patient achieved good functional recovery without any surgical complications.

Conclusion: The original "double-arched" forearm flap design allows a tailored reconstruction with exactly the same shape and dimensions, preserving the functional requirements of speech and deglutition.

Keywords: Cancer oropharyngé; Lambeau antébrachial libre; Oropharyngeal cancer; Palais mou; Radial forearm free flap; Reconstruction; Soft palate.