Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Reconstruction of oral cavity and oropharyngeal defects using reinnervated flaps

Official title: Sensory Recovery and Functional Outcome After Reinnervated Profunda Artery Perforator Flap for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Defect Reconstruction - Prospective Pilot Study

Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT05997186 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a new type of surgery using special skin flaps can help patients who have had tumors removed from their mouth or throat regain their ability to swallow and speak better.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2023
Main results expectedMay 2027
Study endsMay 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT05997186 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients with defects in the oral cavity or oropharynx who require reconstruction with a free reinnervated profunda artery perforator flap.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 18 years old or those with defects in areas other than the oral cavity or oropharynx may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the sensory recovery and functional outcomes in patients undergoing reconstruction of oral cavity and oropharyngeal defects using reinnervated profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps. The research focuses on patients who have experienced significant functional deficits due to tumor resections, impacting their swallowing and speech abilities. By employing non-invasive testing methods, the study aims to assess the effectiveness of sensory recovery following the surgical intervention. The PAP flap is being explored as a viable alternative for patients with specific anatomical considerations, particularly those with thin lateral thigh thickness.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve sensory recovery and quality of life for patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal defects.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with reinnervated flaps in similar contexts, suggesting potential for positive outcomes with this novel approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Patient with defect involving the oral cavity or oropharynx who undergo reconstruction with a free reinnervated profunda artery perforator flap

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 years old
* Defect localizations other than the oral cavity or oropharynx
* Not able to give informed consent
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g., due to psychological disorders, dementia
* Inability or contraindications to undergo the investigated intervention

Where it's running

  • University Hospital Basel
    Basel, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.