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Chimeric thoracoacromial artery perforator flap for one‐staged reconstruction of complex pharyngoesophageal defects: A single unit experience
Author(s) -
Song Dajiang,
Pafitanis Georgios,
Pont Luis Eduardo Parra,
Yang Peng,
Koshima Isao,
Zhang Yixin,
Iida Takuya,
Zhou Xiao,
Li Zan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.24962
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , head and neck , perforator flaps
Abstract Background Circumferential hypopharyngeal defects with anterior neck skin loss often require double‐stacked or chimeric flaps to achieve good surgical outcomes. The thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap is a simple and reliable method for hypopharyngeal defect reconstruction. Methods From March 2012 to February 2015, 19 male patients with an average age of 62 years (range 42‐81 years) underwent complex pharyngoesophageal defect reconstruction with chimeric TAAP flaps. Results All 19 male patients who underwent reconstruction with TAAP flaps achieved optimal functional outcomes. All donor sites were closed primarily. The average length of hospital stay was 12.5 days (range 10‐19 days). All patients returned back to normal nutrition after 8 weeks postoperatively. The average follow‐up period was 19.3 months (range 14‐48 months). Conclusion The chimeric TAAP flap is an innovative local alternative solution for reconstruction of complex circumferential hypopharyngeal defects when free tissue transfer is contraindicated or neck vessels are depleted.