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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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01-02-2017 | Head and Neck

Palato-maxillary reconstruction by the angular branch-based tip of scapula free flap

Authors: Cesare Piazza, Alberto Paderno, Francesca Del Bon, Valentina Taglietti, Alberto Grammatica, Nausica Montalto, Piero Nicolai

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

The angular branch (AB)-based tip of scapula free flap is a valuable reconstructive option in palato-maxillary defects needing significant structural support. We herein retrospectively evaluate our surgical series with special focus on functional outcomes and postoperative morbidity. Ninety-seven consecutive palatomaxillary oncologic resections were performed at our institution between August 2008 and November 2015. The analysis focused on those reconstructed by an AB-based tip of scapula free flap (N = 18; 19 %). A prospective assessment of donor site morbidity was performed by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire in 12 (67 %) patients. Among patients reconstructed by an AB-based tip of scapula free flap, 13 (72 %) had a Class II and 5 (28 %) a Class III defect according to Okay classification. Flap success rate was 94 %, with one failure requiring an anterolateral thigh flap. Eight (44 %) patients experienced recipient site complications, while donor site problems occurred in two only (11 %). Eleven (61 %) subjects were able to maintain a normal and 7 (39 %) a soft-to-firm diet. The mean DASH score was 10.5. Our results confirm that the AB-based tip of scapula free flap is a reliable choice in palatomaxillary reconstruction, with both satisfactory functional outcomes and negligible donor site morbidity.

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Title: Palato-maxillary reconstruction by the angular branch-based tip of scapula free flap
Authors: Cesare Piazza
Alberto Paderno
Francesca Del Bon
Valentina Taglietti
Alberto Grammatica
Nausica Montalto
Piero Nicolai
Publication date: 01-02-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-016-4266-0

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Springer Medicine

Palato-maxillary reconstruction by the angular branch-based tip of scapula free flap

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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