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Functional outcomes of soft palate reconstruction after oncologic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study is to analyze functional outcomes of soft palate reconstruction after oncologic surgery.

Methods

This study was conducted in conformity with the PRISMA statement. A single arm meta-analysis was performed for feeding tube dependence (FTD) (primary outcome), velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) and hypernasality (HN) (secondary outcomes) incidences.

Results

A total of 510 patients (males: 77.75%, n = 353/454) with a median age of 58 years (n = 480/510; 95% CI 57.0–61.0) who underwent soft palate surgical resection with primary reconstruction were included. Overall, the cumulative FTD rate was 1.55% (n = 28/510; 95% CI 0.24–3.96%), the VPI rate was 22.18% (n = 119/379; 95% CI 12.99–33.02%), and the HN rate was 33.01% (n = 88/234; 95% CI 19.03–46.61%).

Conclusions

Soft palate reconstruction results in a low incidence of FTD, and most patients resume a full oral diet. Both obturators, primary closure, local and free flaps seem good reconstructive options. Nevertheless, more specific postoperative functional deficiencies like VPI and HN owns higher incidences, potentially affecting the quality of the swallowing and speaking function and the patient’s quality of life.

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Data availability

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy

    Armando De Virgilio, Gian Marco Pace, Andrea Costantino, Bianca Maria Festa, Elena Russo & Giuseppe Spriano

  2. Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy

    Armando De Virgilio, Gian Marco Pace, Andrea Costantino, Bianca Maria Festa, Elena Russo & Giuseppe Spriano

  3. IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy

    Elisa Bellini, Andrea Iandelli, Giorgio Peretti & Filippo Marchi

  4. Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy

    Elisa Bellini, Andrea Iandelli, Giorgio Peretti & Filippo Marchi

  5. Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

    Claudio Sampieri

  6. Functional Unit of Head and Neck Tumors, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain

    Claudio Sampieri

  7. Otorhinolaryngology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain

    Claudio Sampieri

Authors
  1. Armando De Virgilio
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  2. Elisa Bellini
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  3. Gian Marco Pace
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  4. Andrea Costantino
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  6. Andrea Iandelli
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  7. Elena Russo
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Correspondence to Gian Marco Pace.

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De Virgilio, A., Bellini, E., Pace, G.M. et al. Functional outcomes of soft palate reconstruction after oncologic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 280, 5177–5191 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-023-08191-7

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