Robotic‐assisted FAMM flap for soft palate reconstruction

Abstract

The FAMM flap is reliable and easy to raise and transfer, with the surgical robot making it a good candidate for reconstruction of moderate-sized defects created by TORS applied to malignancies of the soft palate. Minor wound dehiscence is not infrequent, but reconstructive outcomes are nevertheless good. A unilateral FAMM flap will reach to the contralateral border of the uvula and is best limited to defects with a width of 2 cm or less.

Soft palate reconstruction using a combination of a turn‐in flap and a radial forearm flap

“…The oropharyngeal surface may be reconstructed with locoregional or free flaps. Locoregional flaps such as the superior constrictor flap, the palatal island flap, the facial artery musculomucosal flap, or the submental island flap have been described for this purpose. Finally, multiple free flaps have been described for soft palate reconstruction, but the radial forearm free flap remains the mainstay of treatment .…”

Plastic and reconstructive robotic microsurgery – a review of current practices

“…Smarrt et al demonstrated posterior pharyngeal wall flaps were feasible in three cadaveric cases [33]. Bonowitz et al used the robot to assist reconstruction of soft palatal defects using the facial artery myomucosal (FAMM) flap in five cases [34]. One advantage was better visualisation during flap dissection, however three cases experienced minor dehiscence which required surgical revision.…”

The evolving role of free flaps and pedicled flaps in head and neck reconstruction

“…This is a unique flap for quick, easy, low morbidity repair of mucosal defects of the mouth, lip and nose. Ten publications in the past year speak to its growing popularity, especially for palatal repair [44,46,47 …”