Reconstruction with a Free Forearm Flap after Partial Laryngopharyngectomy

Abstract

Voice could be conserved by partial laryngopharyngectomy for hypopharyngeal carcinoma, but there have been problems in swallowing after this surgery. A partial laryngopharyngectomee with successful swallowing after use of a free forearm flap was reported.
A 52-year-old male with carcinoma of the hypopharyngeal posterior wall was classified as T2N0M0. The posterior wall, unilateral piriform sinus and one fourth of the thyroid cartilage were removed, and the pharynx was reconstructed with a forearm flap. The voice was normal and oral intake without aspiration became possible one month after surgery. Free forearm flaps were concluded as useful for reconstruction after partial laryngopharyngectomy.