ABSTRACT
Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a dreaded complication after ablative surgery of the
aerodigestive tract including the pharynx and larynx. This is a common problem for
the surgeon. Two cases are presented with pharyngocutaneous fistula developing after
total laryngectomy and radiation therapy. The fistula was reconstructed using a cork-design
radial forearm free flap. Total obliteration of the fistula was obtained without complications.
This new design provides the following advantages: extensive contact area between
the flap and the inflamed surrounding tissue, discontinuity between the suture lines
of the inner lining and the outer cover, and reinforcement of the suture line of the
outer covering with skin graft. This method can be useful in reconstructing irradiated
pharyngocutaneous fistulas.
KEYWORDS
Pharyngocutaneous fistula - radial forearm free flap - laryngectomy
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Hye Kyung LeeM.D.
Department of Plastic Surgery, National Health Insurance Corporation, Ilsan Hospital,
Baekseok-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang
Gyeoggi-do 410-719, Korea
