Bo Han1, Zhengxue Han2, Jixiang Wu3, Jugao Fang4. 1. Department of General Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.1 Dong Jiao MinXiang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing City 100730, China; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.1 Dong Jiao MinXiang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing City 100730, China; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, BaoTou Cancer Hospital, 18th,Tuanjie Street, Qingshan District, BaoTou, Inner Mongolia 014000, China. 2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China. 3. Department of General Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.1 Dong Jiao MinXiang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing City 100730, China. Electronic address: drJixiangWu@hotmail.com. 4. Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.1 Dong Jiao MinXiang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing City 100730, China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a common complication after laryngopharyngeal surgery. It presents incredible difficulties to both doctors and patients and can lead to prolonged hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the pros and cons of the pedicled skin flap in the prevention and repair of PCF and put forward the authors' views and experience about the selection and application of flaps for the treatment of PCF. METHODS: A literature review of pedicled flap application in PCF was carried out. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of the characteristics of the pedicled flap in PCF treatment, the advantages and disadvantages are compared. RESULTS: In the literature, the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is the most widely used regional pedicled flap for PCF. Many other flaps can be used to prevent and treat PCF. Each kind of pedicled flap has advantages and limitations. This plays a role in the individualized selection and design of PCF to maximize the benefits of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Taking unity of function, aesthetics, and proficiency of operators into account, choosing the appropriate flap to repair PCF can reduce the occurrence rate of PCF and improve the patient's quality of life.
BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a common complication after laryngopharyngeal surgery. It presents incredible difficulties to both doctors and patients and can lead to prolonged hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the pros and cons of the pedicled skin flap in the prevention and repair of PCF and put forward the authors' views and experience about the selection and application of flaps for the treatment of PCF. METHODS: A literature review of pedicled flap application in PCF was carried out. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of the characteristics of the pedicled flap in PCF treatment, the advantages and disadvantages are compared. RESULTS: In the literature, the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is the most widely used regional pedicled flap for PCF. Many other flaps can be used to prevent and treat PCF. Each kind of pedicled flap has advantages and limitations. This plays a role in the individualized selection and design of PCF to maximize the benefits of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Taking unity of function, aesthetics, and proficiency of operators into account, choosing the appropriate flap to repair PCF can reduce the occurrence rate of PCF and improve the patient's quality of life.