Oropharyngeal reconstruction with buccinator myomucosal island flaps: Functional outcomes and quality of life. A retrospective observational study.

Background: The buccinator myomucosal island flaps are an excellent option for "like with like" oropharyngeal reconstruction in selected cases. We report a series of 15 patients and discuss the functional outcomes.

Methods: From January 1, 2020 to February 31, 2023, 15 patients underwent oropharyngeal tumor resection and reconstruction with myomucosal island flaps. Buccal artery myomucosal island flap and tunnelized facial artery myomucosal island flap were used in 10 and 5 patients, respectively. In four cases, a total soft palate reconstruction was performed. Before removing the nasogastric tube, a videoendoscopy was performed in all cases to assess postoperative swallowing. Functional assessment was evaluated after a follow-up of at least 12 months. Speech intelligibility and patient speech perception were assessed using the Hirose's 10-point scoring system and the Voice Handicap Index. Dysphagia was assessed using the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale and the Dysphagia Handicap Index. Finally, donor site morbidity was analyzed, and quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30).

Results: The median length of hospital stay was 10.5 days. Nasal feeding tube was removed on average in 8.6 days after surgery, and all patients were able to tolerate an oral soft diet. Intelligibility was very good in all cases. No major complications were detected, and donor site morbidity was low. Global quality of life was acceptable in all cases.

Conclusions: Buccinator myomucosal island flaps represent a very interesting and versatile option for the functional reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects up to 7-8 cm.

Level Of Evidence: IV.