Thursday, February 1, 2007
12083

A Novel Pectoralis Flap Design for Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Reconstruction

Karl W. Schwarz, MD, Detlev Erdmann, MD, PhD, and L. Scott Levin, MD.

Despite advances in hypopharyngeal reconstruction with free tissue transfer, pharyngocutaneous fistulae occur with an incidence of thirty-five percent; radiation therapy and neck dissection increase the incidence. While two-thirds will close with conservative management, larger fistulae in irradiated fields require surgical treatment to prevent carotid artery rupture. Free tissue transfer is difficult in the re-operated, previously reconstructed, irradiated neck where recipient vessels are scarce. Herein we report a novel technique where a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap with two skin islands is used to reconstruct a pharyngocutaneous fistula. One skin paddle was used to reconstruct the anterior esophageal wall, and the second paddle provided closure of the cutaneous defect. At nine months of follow-up the fistula has not recurred, all of his intake is via the oral cavity, and he has experienced an eleven pound weight gain.