Modified tubed anterolateral free flap for reconstruction of total laryngopharyngectomy

Abstract

Background: A tubed anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has become a reliable option for laryngopharyngeal defects; however, successful reconstruction remains challenging. Prevention of fistulae, resurfacing of the neck and flap monitoring are key issues that surgeons have sought to address through various flap modifications. Here we describe a chimeric design of the tubed ALT flap which tackles these and other challenges. Methods: Fourteen cases requiring ALT flaps were harvested for reconstruction of total laryngopharyngectomy defects between 2017 and 2019. Each flap was raised on at least two perforators of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (dbLCFA) or both the dbLCFA and transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (tbLCFA) to create a chimeric flap. The primary cutaneous paddle was tubed to reconstruct the oesophagus, and the secondary component was inset to the neck as a skin-monitoring paddle. A strip of vascularised vastus lateralis was harvested in the primary paddle continuing with the flap and sutured along the neopharynx suture line, an additional layer preventing anastomotic leak. Results: Patients averaged 61.1 years of age. An average of 2.4 perforators were included per flap. All flaps survived. Donor sites were closed primarily in all cases. Barium swallow was performed in 71.4 per cent of cases (10/14). Fistula occurred in 7.1 per cent of patients (1/14). Patients were followed up for an average of 13 months. Conclusion: Our chimeric ALT free flap design provides a reliable pharyngeal reconstruction, and allows for flap monitoring and neck resurfacing when required, with a low rate of clinically significant leaks or fistula.