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Oropharyngeal reconstruction after ablative surgery is a challenge. The results of a retrospective study of 17 patients who underwent total or sub-total soft palate reconstruction with a buccinator myomucosal island flap, between 2008 and 2016, are reported herein. An analysis of flap type and size, harvesting time, and postoperative complications was performed. Patients underwent standardized tests to assess the recovery of sensitivity, deglutition, quality of life (QoL), and donor site morbidity, at >6 months after surgery or the end of adjuvant therapy, if performed. All flaps were transposed successfully. Only minor donor and recipient site complications occurred. The sensitivity assessment showed that touch, two-point discrimination, and pain sensations were recovered in all patients. Significant differences between the flap and native mucosa were reported for tactile (P=0.004), pain (P=0.001), and two-point discrimination (P=0.001) thresholds. The average deglutition score reported was 6.1/7, with only minimal complaints regarding deglutition. The QoL assessment showed high physical (24.6/28), social (25/28), emotional (19.1/24), and functional (24.6/28) scores. No major donor site complications were noted in any patient; the average donor site morbidity score was 8.1/9. Buccinator myomucosal island flaps represent a valuable functional oropharyngeal option for reconstruction, requiring a short operating time and presenting a low donor site morbidity rate.
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
June 2022,
Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
September 2013,
The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
April 2010,
Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
December 2023,
European annals of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck diseases,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
January 2013,
National journal of maxillofacial surgery,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
May 2013,
Laryngo- rhino- otologie,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
February 2008,
Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
February 1982,
Oral surgery, oral medicine, and oral pathology,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
October 2016,
Experimental and therapeutic medicine,
O Massarelli, and
L A Vaira, and
R Gobbi, and
A Biglio, and
G Dell'aversana Orabona, and
G De Riu
February 2024,
Plastic and reconstructive surgery,
