Use of a scapular free flap for reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage in pharyngolaryngeal oncology.

A newly developed technique for cricoid reconstructive surgery is presented and discussed. This method allows us to increase the number of patients presenting with squamous cell carcinoma who may benefit from partial laryngectomy. The method is based on the transfer of a vascularized scapular flap to reconstruct half a resected cricoid. Two alternatives may be used whether anterior laryngectomy preserves the half posterior cricoid and both arytenoids or a hemilateral laryngectomy leaves one arytenoid and half the cricoid. Complementary radiotherapy may be performed after surgery. Satisfactory results are reported from an initial series of three patients.