The increasing use of enteral flaps in reconstruction for the upper aerodigestive tract

The enteric flaps commonly used in free tissue head and neck reconstruction include the gastro-omental flap, the omental flap, and the free jejunal flap. These flaps have demonstrated excellent reconstructive results for defects of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, cervical esophagus, and contouring defects of the head and neck. Their main advantages include tissue pliability, tubed shape, ease of contouring, and the ability to secrete mucus. Recent studies report outcome measurements for flap loss, fistula rates, postoperative swallowing, speech, and cosmesis. Now that experience has been gained to the point of routine use of these flaps, randomized trials are needed to determine the functional advantages of the enteric flaps compared with other reconstructive options.