The aim of this study: To report the reconstruction of palatal defects by microvascular radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap (RFFF) and to report patient's quality of life outcomes after this procedure.
Material and methods: During the period 1990-2002, 30 cases of palatal defects were reconstructed using RFFF in our institution. RFFF allowed restoration of a vestibular sulcus to maintain dental prostheses. Outcome measurements included post-operative assessment of speech, swallowing and diet evaluation 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after reconstruction. Quality of life outcomes were measured 1 and 2 years post-reconstruction.
Results: RFFF surgery was successful in 28 cases. Six months after resection 28 patients reported satisfactory speech and swallowing. Two years after surgery, 92% (n=26) of patients resumed a normal diet. All patients underwent dental evaluation and 68% (n=19) of patients required dental rehabilitation over a post-operative period of 3-18 months. Patients self assessed their quality of life on a scale of 0-2. First year post-operatively, 21 patients reported a good quality of life (score=2). After the second year, 26 patients reported a good quality of life and the remaining two patients reported an intermediate quality of life (score=1) because they did not resume a normal diet.
Conclusion: RFFF for palatal reconstruction is a reliable technique and provides a definitive separation between oral and sinusonasal cavities. Furthermore, it improves quality of life by improving speech, swallowing and chewing. It should be considered an integral component of head and neck cancer therapy and rehabilitation.