Functional outcomes of fasciocutaneous free flap and pectoralis major flap for salvage total laryngectomy

Abstract

Background

Pectoralis major muscle flaps (PMMFs) and fasciocutaneous free flaps (FFFs) are commonly used for reconstruction of the surgical defect after salvage total laryngectomy. This study compared swallowing function in patients who underwent reconstruction with either PMMF or FFF.

Methods

This study was based on a retrospective cohort of patients treated at the CHU de Québec between January 2000 and March 2015. Demographics, chemoradiation data, surgical protocol, pathologic results, complications, evolution, esophageal dilation, diet intake, and feeding tube dependence were documented.

Results

A total of 126 patients were analyzed (93 PMMFs and 33 FFFs). Of the patients who received PMMFs, 38.7% had a limited oral intake compared to 15.2% of patients who received FFFs (odds ratio [OR] 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-9.99; P = .02). The need for esophageal dilation tended to be greater for PMMF patients (25% vs 9%; OR 3.38; 95% CI 0.94-12.13; P = .06). Complication rates were similar.

Conclusion

The FFF reconstruction led to better results in terms of swallowing function than PMMF reconstruction.

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