RECONSTRUCTION OF MAXILLARY AND PALATAL DEFECTS WITH THE FREE RADIAL FOREARM FLAP

We present six patients with maxillary and palate defects that were re constructed with the radial forearm flap. Four patients had malignant neoplasms involving the maxilla, three with squamous cell carcinoma an d the fourth with recurrent basal cell carcinoma. They were treated wi th excision and immediate reconstruction using a radial forearm free f lap. The other two patients presented with large fistulae between the maxilla and nasal sinuses, these being sequelae of previous surgical t reatment for malignancies. The fistulae were closed with radial forear m free flaps. This method provides primary wound healing, restoration of palatal function, preservation of facial contour, and a minimal mor bidity while obviating the need for palatal prosthesis. In the six cas es, the oral cavity has been completely separated from the paranasal s inus and nasal cavity, and all patients demonstrated satisfactory degl utition and intelligible speech.