OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcomes of submental island pedicled flap (SIPF) combination with bio-membrane in reconstructing palate defects after maxillofacial or palatal neoplasm resection.

METHODSThere were 12 patients with squamous cell carcinoma and one patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma. The clinical stages of tumours were II in two patients, III in four patients, IV in six patients (UICC 2002), and one patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma no staged. SIPFs were designed and created, and the tissue sides of the SIPFs were covered with bio-membrane to reconstruct the oral and the nasal sides of the defects respectively. Speech and swallowing functions and opening mouth were evaluated 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTSAll flaps survived and no serious complications occurred. Ten patients achieved normal speech, two had intelligible speech, and one was with slurred speech; Nine patients resumed a solid diet, three with a soft diet, and one on a liquid diet. Eight patients recovered normal mouth opening, four emerged minor limitation of mouth opening, and one had serious limitation of mouth opening.

CONCLUSIONSSIPF combined with bio-membrane is a safe, simple, and reliable method for reconstruction of piercing palate defect following neoplasm ablation, with satisfactory oral functions.