Palatal reconstruction utilizing retrieved forehead flap.

Ablation of tumors involving the tonsil and retromolar trigone complex often require partial resection of the soft palate. The pharyngeal wall defect is well reconstructed with the forehead flap. We have used the distal portion of the severed inserted forehead flap to reconstruct the soft palate defect successfully in 35 cases. The nasopharyngeal surface is lined with a book-flap from the remaining palate. This provides full palatal reconstruction with nasopharyngeal mucosa lining: thus preventing flap contracture and the unwanted sequelae of nasopharyngeal air and fluid reflux.