Epiglottis reconstruction with free radial forearm flap after supraglottic laryngectomy.
A bilobed free radial forearm flap was designed to reconstruct a defect in the epiglottis and tongue base in 2 patients who underwent supraglottic laryngectomy. The flap was initially sutured in the shape of the epiglottis to prevent aspiration during deglutition. Six months after surgery, after a full course of radiation therapy, the flap had flattened and underwent atrophy, but the patients still had good voice production and were able to swallow well without any aspiration. Regardless of the final shape of the reconstructed epiglottis, it will suffice to prevent aspiration if the flap is large enough to occlude the tracheal outlet.
Hsiao
Hung-Tao
HT
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery Department, Mackay Memorial Hospital, 92 Chung-San North Road, Taipei, Taiwan. tao@ms2.mmh.org.tw
Leu
Yi-Shing
YS
Tung
Kwang-Yi
KY
D004825:Epiglottis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014059:Tongue / Q000601:surgery