A New Membrane Obturator Prothesis Concept for Soft Palate Defects

The velopharyngeal sphincter seals the oropharynx from the nasopharynx during swallowing and speech. This three-dimensional muscular valve closes through the synergistic behavior of the soft palate and the lateral and posterior walls of the pharynx. A soft palate defect surgically acquired in the context of oral cancer may impede complete closure and lead to a palatopharyngeal insufficiency. The resultant airflow escape results in hypernasality, poor speech intelligibility, and swallowing problems (such as leakage of foods and fluids into the nasal airways). The best way to rehabilitate and restore chewing and swallowing is one of the top ten research priorities in head and neck cancer. When the velopharyngeal function cannot be immediately restored with surgical reconstruction, patients can benefit from an obturator prosthesis. This obturator is a rigid extension of acrylic resin positioned at the level of the hard palate that provides surface contact for the remaining musculature. Often, the residual muscle stumps cannot move adequately around this stiff and inert obturator to properly restore the velopharyngeal valve function. The resulting blockage, or free space between the tissues and obturator, is a main cause of prosthetic failure. Subsequently, in many cases, oral functions remain impaired, with a negative impact on the patient's quality of life.

The compensating treatment consists of a provisional removable partial denture (RPD) with a membrane obturator. The membrane consisted of a thick dental dam shaped with scissors to create a 10-mm overlap with the pharyngeal walls that was then perforated with four holes using punch pliers.

The follow-up ends after the last visit. However, our team can provide cares of any patient seeking for dental care, prosthetic treatments and routine follow-up.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult over 18 year-old
• Acquired loss of velar or palato-velar substance (maxillectomies of Class I and II a-d, Brown 2010) following the excision of a tumor
• Indication of Suersen obturator prosthesis rehabilitation
• Possible dental rehabilitation with removable prosthesis (retention and stability prosthetic provided without the use of glue, mouth opening allowing fingerprints, presence of saliva, dexterity allowing the insertion and removal of prostheses, as well as the cleaning of devices)
• Having given their consent to participate in the study
• Speaking French, knowing how to read it
• Available and motivated for regular follow-up during the study period

Exclusion criteria

• Child under 18
• Allergy to acrylic resin
• Radiotherapy or chemotherapy in progress
• Surgery of the veil programmed during the 3 months necessary for the realization and the wearing of the prostheses.
• Loss of congenital or traumatic palato-velar substance
• Maxillectomies including orbital floor or total maxillectomy
• Pregnant or lactating woman
• Participation in another interventional study
• Inability to give informed consent