Application of supraclavicular artery flap in laryngeal function preserving surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Introduction To investigate the clinical utility and value of supraclavicular artery flap repair and reconstruction in larynx function preservation surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Materials & methods The clinical data of 14 patients were retrospectively analyzed. These patients underwent repair and reconstruction of hypopharyngeal and laryngeal defects during larynx function preservation surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma between August 2019 and June 2022. All patients were male, aged 46-75 years, including 10 cases of pyriform sinus carcinoma and 4 cases of posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma. Flap sizes 5cm×4cm-14cm×9cm.

Results Thirteen of fourteen patients were repaired with supraclavicular artery flap at the same time of tumor resection. One patient was remodeled using the supraclavicular artery flap after anterolateral thigh flap necrosis. One of the fourteen patients was lost to follow-up after discharge from hospital. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 3 patients and laryngeal fistula occurred in 1 patient after operation, which were all healed after conservative treatment. The gastric tube was removed in 13 patients, and the tracheal tube was removed in 7 patients. Two patients developed pharyngoesophageal anastomotic strictures. Tumor recurrence in 2 patients.

Conclusion The supraclavicular artery flap is safe and effective in the repair of larynx function preservation surgical defects in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma. It has advantages in restoring anatomic morphology of pyriform fossa, aryepiglottic fold, and laryngeal cavity because of its easy preparation, short surgical duration, reliable perfusion, thin, soft and easy to fold and shape.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023