title: A new option with the pedicle thoracoacromial artery perforator flap for hypopharyngeal reconstructions.
abstract: The reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects should focus on minimizing morbidity in a high-risk population while achieving adequate functional results with regard to the restoration of speech, swallowing, and airway control. We introduce the clinical application of the thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap as a new reconstructive option for hypopharyngeal defects.
  
  
  
  This method was used to restore oncologic hypopharyngeal defects in nine patients: three who had previous irradiation and surgery, one who had previous surgery only, and another who had previous radiotherapy only.
  
  
  
  All of the TAAP flaps of our series were transferred successfully and survived entirely. The donor sites were closed primarily in all cases. No fistulas, stenosis/strictures, dehiscence, or swelling occurred. Pectoralis major muscle function was completely preserved in all patients.
  
  
  
  The use of TAAP flap to reconstruct hypopharyngeal defect is a simple and effective method that does not require microsurgical skills. The flap is thin and pliable, with a reliable blood supply.
  
  
  
  4. Laryngoscope, 126:1315-1320, 2016.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai.
authors.forename: Yi Xin
authors.initials: YX
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital, Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
authors.forename: Zan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School, University Hospital of Ancona, Ancona.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grassetti
authors.affiliation: Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Unit, Villa Salaria Clinic, Rome.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lazzeri
authors.affiliation: Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Unit, Villa Salaria Clinic, Rome.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nicoli
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Zenn
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital, Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
authors.forename: Xiao
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Spinelli
authors.affiliation: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Peirong
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D061525:Perforator Flap; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013895:Thoracic Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Thoracoacromial artery; hypopharyngeal reconstruction; pectoralis major; pedicled flap; perforator flap