Combined radial forearm and pharyngeal flap for soft palate reconstruction

The use of a free vascularised fascio-cutaneous radial forearm flap in combination with a cranially based pharyngeal flap for soft palate reconstruction has not been previously reported. We present the technique and illustrate its use in two cases of total and one case of subtotal soft palate reconstruction. The functional outcome is discussed with particular reference to nasal airway patency, speech and swallowing.