Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Pharyngoesophageal Reconstruction with Easy Flap Monitoring

Abstract

Background: Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap involves a buried free tissue transfer, and flap monitoring is important in this situation. Here we review our experience in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction using the ALT flap. Methods: Seven patients receiving pharyngoesophageal reconstruction (July 2006 through June 2009) were investigated noninvasively. All the patients were men with a mean age of 49 years. The pharyngoesophageal defects ranged from 6 to 11 cm in length (mean 8.07 cm), and circumferential defects were created after tumor ablation in four patients. Free ALT flaps were used in all patients for reconstruction and flap monitoring using an isolated distal perforator cutaneous flap was applied. Results: All reconstructive flaps survived in these patients without the need for a salvage procedure. Conclusions: The ALT is a useful flap for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. It provides a single-stage procedure, including space filling, resurfacing of the neck skin and reliable flap monitoring.