SURGICAL CLOSURE OF PHARYNGOESOPHAGOSTOMA USING THE SUBMENTO-SUBMANDIBULAR SKIN FLAP

Abstract

A surgical technique for the closure of pharyngo-esophagostoma using the submentosubmandibular skin flap is described.
This technique is applicable for the cases whose stoma is too large for simple closure and/or when neighboring skin is damaged by irradiation and/or surgery.
The technique consists of the use of the rotating submento-submandibular skin flap for the external covering of the raw surface following the internal suturing. The tip of the flap can be extended to the level of tracheostoma if necessary.
This technique was used satisfactorily for closure of seven pharyngo-esophagostomata.