Chimeric thoracoacromial artery perforator flap for one-staged reconstruction of complex pharyngoesophageal defects: A single unit experience.

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.