Modified palatal flap via soft palate for skull base reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE

Given the importance of vascularized flaps, this study presents a new technique for reconstructing skull defects using a pedicled palatal flap via the soft palate.

METHODS

Five preserved cadaveric specimens were used to demonstrate the sequential steps involved in harvesting the palatal flap. In addition, 20 normal paranasal sinus computed tomography scans were analyzed to determine potential measurements of the flap (area, perimeter, greatest anteroposterior distance, and greatest transverse distance).

RESULTS

The average flap area in females and males was 11.8cm2 and 12.7cm2, respectively. The average perimeter in females and males was 13.5cm and 14.0cm, respectively. In all cases, the flap reached the infratemporal fossa and lower clivus.

CONCLUSION

The palatal flap via the soft palate described in this study proved to be a metrically viable alternative in cadaveric and tomographic studies for use in endonasal surgeries, as well as for skull base and adjacent regions.