Hypopharyngeal reconstruction with the radial forearm flap.
The radial forearm flap is a well-vascularized fasciocutaneous free flap, transferred on the radial artery and vein. In cases of partial hypopharyngectomy, tracheo-esophageal fistulas and hypopharyngeal stenosis it may be difficult to accommodate the bulk of a myocutaneous flap without interfering with pharyngeal function. The thin, pliable nature of the forearm skin is ideally suited to replace hypopharyngeal mucosa. The result is a thin-walled pharynx.
Delaere
P R
PR
Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University Hospital St. Rafaël, Leuven.
Ostyn
F
F
Boeckx
W D
WD
Guelinckx
P
P
D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000601:surgery; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D010611:Pharyngectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery