Abstract
Purpose: The radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap is currently considered as the ideal free flap for reconstruction of mucosal and soft tissue defects of the palate. But the availability of stably attached oral and nasal mucosal lining is needed. In addition to this, for better operation field, operating convenience and esthetics, we planned a prelaminated radial forearm free flap. Methods: A 64-year-old male patient was admitted due to a $4{\times}4.5cm$ full through defect in the middle of the hard palate caused by peripheral T cell lymphoma with actinomycosis. In the first stage, the radial forearm flap was elevated, tailored to fit the hard palate defect, and then it positioned up-side down with split thickness skin graft. Two weeks later, the prelaminated radial forearm free flap was re-elevated and transferred to the palatal defect. One side covered with grafted skin was used to line the nasal cavity, and the other side (the cutaneous portion of the radial forearm flap) was used to line the oral cavity. Results: The prelamination procedure was relatively easy and useful. The skin graft was well taken to the flap. After 2nd stage operation, the flap survived uneventfully. There was no prolapse of the inset flap into the oral cavity and the cutaneous portion of the flap was mucosalized. The procedure was very successful and the patient can enjoy normal rigid diet and speech. Conclusion: The use of prelaminated radial forearm free flap for hard palate reconstruction is an excellent method to restore oral function. Based upon the result of this case, microvascular free flap transfer with prelaminated procedure is a valid alternative to the prosthetic obturator for palatal defect that provides an improved quality of life. It should be considered as an integral component of head and neck cancer therapy and rehabilitation.
연부조직만으로 경구개를 재건하는데 있어서는 환자군을 적절히 선택하는 것이 중요하며 골재건이 필요하지 않은 Okay 분류 Ia와 Ib가 주요한 적응증이 된다. 하악이나 구강저부 결손을 재건하는 것과는 다르게 경구개 결손은 구강과 비강 점막층을 동시에 수복할 수 있는 피판이 이상적이다. 이중 저자들은 전완유리피판에 전상판화 방법을 좀 더 안정적으로 시행, 경구개 전층을 성공적으로 재건하였으며, 특히 저작과 연하 등 기능적 측면뿐 아니라 경구개 및 비강의 점막을 함께 복원할 수 있는 해부학적인 장점이 있는 피판임을 확인하여 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.
