Immediate free gastro-omental flap reconstruction of the mouth and throat.

A portion of the greater curve of the stomach with its attached omentum was transplanted to reconstruct the pharynx and oral cavity after ablation of upper aerodigestive tract cancer. The tissue characteristics of the transplanted material were similar to those of the removed oropharyngeal tissue. The gastro-omental free flap produced a moist mucosal surface that was self-cleaning and distensible. The free gastro-omental flap was successful in five of seven patients. Because of excessive flap secretions during the early postoperative period, all patients had tracheotomies to protect the lower airway from aspiration.