Oropharyngeal reconstruction using a myomucosal uvular transposition flap following transoral resection of oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Defects in the structure of the oropharynx can result in significant functional deficit and lead to nasal regurgitation and rhinolalia aperta. Many techniques have been described to reconstruct surgical oropharyngeal defects that are created during resection of squamous cell carcinoma, including the use of local advancement flaps and free-tissue transfers. We describe our experience with using a myomucosal uvular transposition flap for oropharyngeal reconstruction in a series of 11 patients. Unlike flap techniques that involve the use of palatal or uvular tissue, our technique does not require release incisions in the contralateral palate. This simple technique can be used to reconstruct defects as large as 50% of the soft palate and lateral oropharynx with minimal postoperative morbidity and only a minimal increase in surgical time compared with free-tissue transfer and myocutaneous pedicled flaps.