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Semin Plast Surg 2023; 37(01): 039-045
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759797
Review Article

Management of Palatal Defects after Free-Flap Reconstruction and Radiotherapy

Wesley McIlwain
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
,
Jared Inman
2   Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
,
Arya Namin
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
,
Aasif Kazi
2   Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
,
Christopher Shumrick
3   Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Yadranko Ducic
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
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Abstract

Palatal fistulas have significant effects on quality of life. Traditional prosthetic rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction of palate defects in radiation-naïve tissues are well described. However, palatal fistulas developing after initial tumor extirpation, free-flap reconstruction, and adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation are associated with challenging secondary tissue effects. In this review, we will discuss the management of palatal fistulas after surgical reconstruction and radiotherapy.

Keywords

palatal fistula - oronasal fistula - midface reconstruction - maxillary reconstruction - radiotherapy complications - free-flap complications


Publication History

Article published online:
22 December 2022

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