Open AccessPreemptive Utilization of Anterior Belly of the Digastric Muscle Flaps in Transoral Robotic Radical Tonsillectomy
Author(s) -
Daigle Olivia,
Gardner James Reed,
King Deanne,
Moreno Mauricio Alejandro,
Sunde Jumin,
Vural Emre
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
oto open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2473-974X
DOI - 10.1177/2473974x211035102
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , neck dissection , concomitant , digastric muscle , tonsillectomy , dissection (medical) , fistula , anesthesia , carcinoma , anatomy
Objective To demonstrate the use of an anterior belly of the digastric muscle flap (ABDMF) during transoral robotic radical tonsillectomy (TORRT) with concomitant neck dissection with the intent of preventing the formation of postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistulas. Study Design Retrospective study. Setting Single academic tertiary care center. Methods In this study, all patients were included who underwent TORRT plus limited pharyngectomy with concomitant neck dissection and ABDMF for the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma between September 2012 and September 2020. The rate of fistula formation was assessed in patients with preemptive utilization of ABDMF. Results A total of 43 patients underwent TORRT with neck dissection and ABDMF. No patients developed a fistula in the postoperative period or associated morbidity with the use of this flap. Conclusion Preemptive use of ABDMF in TORRT with concomitant neck dissection represents a reconstructive option that may help prevent the formation of pharyngocutaneous fistula by reinforcing the posteroinferior boundary of the parapharyngeal space.