Organ preservation protocols with radiotherapy have become the primary treatment for stage I to III laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Many pharyngoesophageal defects are the result of salvage laryngopharyngectomy following radiation failure, making reconstruction more challenging. Given the detrimental effects of radiation on wound healing, reconstruction bathed in saliva, and the frozen neck with poor recipient vessels, pharyngoesophageal reconstruction requires great attention to detail to avoid catastrophic complications. In this review, we detail the commonly used flaps for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, including the radial forearm flap, anterolateral thigh flap, and jejunal flap. In recent years, the anterolateral thigh flap has become the optimal flap for this type of reconstruction due to its minimal donor-site morbidity and excellent functional outcomes. Use of a two-skin island anterolateral flap allows for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with simultaneous neck resurfacing. The profundus artery perforator flap can be a good alternative to the anterolateral thigh flap, whereas the ulnar artery perforator flap may be a good alternative to the radial forearm flap in certain cases. We discuss recipient vessel selection and conclude by outlining important postoperative considerations.
This review contains 23 figures, 3 tables and 39 references
Key words: anterolateral thigh flap, anteromedial thigh flap, frozen neck, gastro-omental flap, hypopharynx, laryngeal cancer, perforator flaps, pharyngocutaneous fistula, pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, profundus artery perforator flap, radial forearm flap, tracheoesophageal puncture, transverse cervical vessels, ulnar artery perforator flap
