title: Optimal ileocolic flap length for a reconstructed voice tube after laryngopharyngectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Voice restoration after laryngopharyngectomy can be achieved with an autologous ileocolic flap. We have observed that the length of the flap influences vocal outcome. This investigation aimed to evaluate the association between ileocolic flap length and vocal quality after laryngopharyngectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The charts of patients who underwent voice rehabilitation with an ileocolic flap after laryngopharyngectomy between 1 January 2011 and 30 December 2012 were abstracted. The length of ileum segment in the ileocolic flap was stratified, and voice outcome was evaluated three months post-operatively, while adjusting for confounding variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant association between flap length and loudness, maximum phonation time and sound pressure level (p < 0.05). All three parameters were best in the 10 cm length group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Voice rehabilitation after laryngopharyngectomy is possible with an ileocolic flap. The optimal ileocolic flap contains a 10 cm ileum segment. Complications are frequent but amenable to revision surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,China Medical University Hospital,Taichung,Taiwan.
authors.forename: Y-A
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Tsou
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery,China Medical University Hospital,Taichung,Taiwan.
authors.forename: T-S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,China Medical University Hospital,Taichung,Taiwan.
authors.forename: M-H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery,China Medical University Hospital,Taichung,Taiwan.
authors.forename: H-C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Voice and Swallow Center,University of California,Davis,USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Belafsky
mesh_terms: D001044:Aphonia / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003106:Colon; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007082:Ileum; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010611:Pharyngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014833:Voice Quality / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Hypopharyngeal Neoplasm; Ileocolic Flap; Laryngectomy; Pharyngectomy; Voice Disorder