Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with lateral thigh free flap

Background. We evaluated the use of a lateral thigh free flap in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, which is often overlooked and less widely used despite its distinct advantages. Methods. This study reviewed the patient's medical records, including the patient's age, gender, histopathologic diagnosis, surgical defects, flap size, flap survival, donor and recipient site complications, and swallowing function and voice rehabilitation. Results. Twelve lateral thigh free flaps were used to primarily reconstruct the pharyngoesophagus in 11 patients after tumor resection from July 1997 to May 1999. Eleven of the 12 flaps (91.7%) were transferred successfully. In one patient, the flap failure occurred as a result of venous thrombosis, and therefore another lateral thigh free flap from the opposite thigh was used 3 days later. The swallowing function was restored in all patients. Prosthetic voice rehabilitation was successfully achieved in all five patients, who primarily underwent tracheoesophageal punctures. No frank fistula or stricture developed. Significant donor site morbidity was not noted. Conclusions. The lateral thigh free flap is useful and reliable in selected cases of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction and versatile in flap design with favorable functional outcomes of swallowing and voice rehabilitation with minimal donor site morbidity.