title: Advantages and limitations of free and pedicled flaps in reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal defects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current review will focus on head and neck reconstructive techniques for the pharyngoesophagus. This article reviews the changing patterns of flap usage and will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of selected pedicled and free flaps for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. A number of flaps are reviewed with particular emphasis on recent developments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature reports on a variety of options available to reconstruct pharyngoesophageal defects. Pedicled flaps have a role in partial defects and select short to moderate circumferential length defects. The standard for long segment circumferential defects continues to be the fasciocutaneous free flaps and the jejunum free flap.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The exact nature of the pharyngoesophageal defect, patient characteristics, and flap availability should be considered when choosing the best option for reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Nagel
authors.forename: Richard E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Hayden
mesh_terms: D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy; D010611:Pharyngectomy; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps