Thomas Frisch1. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The facial artery myomucosal (FAMM) island flap is a cheek flap, pedicled on the facial artery and suitable for small to medium-sized reconstructions of the oral cavity and neighboring areas. A novel transposition of the flap to the hypopharynx after laryngectomy is presented in this report. METHODS: A 58-year-old man, previously irradiated, was laryngopharyngectomized because of a new supraglottic carcinoma. An unexpected need for a flap was solved by tunneling a FAMM island flap lateral to the mandible. The reach and size of the flap were sufficient to close the defect. RESULTS: Vitality of the flap was ascertained by fiber endoscopy. No donor-site morbidity was seen. Postoperatively, the patient had a minor stomal fistula with spontaneous healing. CONCLUSION: The pedicled FAMM island flap may be considered for smaller reconstructions of the upper hypopharynx. Accessibility, low donor-site morbidity, and recipient tissue similarity count among the advantages.
BACKGROUND: The facial artery myomucosal (FAMM) island flap is a cheek flap, pedicled on the facial artery and suitable for small to medium-sized reconstructions of the oral cavity and neighboring areas. A novel transposition of the flap to the hypopharynx after laryngectomy is presented in this report. METHODS: A 58-year-old man, previously irradiated, was laryngopharyngectomized because of a new supraglottic carcinoma. An unexpected need for a flap was solved by tunneling a FAMM island flap lateral to the mandible. The reach and size of the flap were sufficient to close the defect. RESULTS: Vitality of the flap was ascertained by fiber endoscopy. No donor-site morbidity was seen. Postoperatively, the patient had a minor stomal fistula with spontaneous healing. CONCLUSION: The pedicled FAMM island flap may be considered for smaller reconstructions of the upper hypopharynx. Accessibility, low donor-site morbidity, and recipient tissue similarity count among the advantages.
Authors: Olindo Massarelli; Luigi Angelo Vaira; Andrea Biglio; Roberta Gobbi; Pasquale Piombino; Giacomo De Riu Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Date: 2017-09-21