Free posterior tibial flap reconstruction for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Fei Chen,Qi Wu,Yuanzhi Zhu,Xiaofeng Tao,Hongliang Zheng,Dan Lv,Guojun Li,Lihong Wang,Jun Liu

doi:10.1186/1477-7819-12-163

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this article was to determine outcomes in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (SCCHP) in whom the free posterior tibial flap was used for primary reconstruction of hypopharynx defects after cancer resection.Subjects and methodsBetween August 2009 and February 2012, 10 patients with SCCHP underwent posterior tibial flap reconstruction for hypopharynx defects. The corresponding clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.ResultsDespite the multistep and time-consuming procedure, the posterior tibial flap survival rate was 100%. Operation-induced complications did not occur in four patients. Six patients developed postoperative hypoproteinemia, four patients developed postoperative pulmonary infections, and four patients developed pharyngeal fistula. The pharyngeal and laryngeal functions of all patients were preserved.ConclusionOur experience demonstrates that the posterior tibial flap is a safe and reliable choice for the reconstruction of hypopharynx defects.

Highlights

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (SCCHP) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor and generally diagnosed at an advanced stage
The radial forearm flap is the most popular fasciocutaneous flap for hypopharyngeal reconstruction, but its therapeutic benefits are accompanied by significant donor site morbidity, including a significant skin graft scar and wrist joint stiffness, which are proportional to the size of the harvested flap
In this article we present our initial clinical experience in utilizing the free posterior tibial flap for primary reconstruction of hypopharynx defects after tumor excision for the treatment of 10 SCCHP patients, and evaluate the procedure-related outcomes of these patients

Summary

Introduction

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (SCCHP) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor and generally diagnosed at an advanced stage. It has been reported that if the septocutaneous perforators of the posterior tibia vessels are preserved the posterior tibial flap could be used in head and neck reconstruction after tumor removal [6].

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