Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Comparison of Outcomes Between Free Ileocolonic and Tube-Shaped ALT Fasciocutaneous Flaps in Total Hypopharyngeal
Jian-Xun Chen1,2, Ta-I Wang3, Shane D Morrison4
1School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Objectives:
This study compares the outcomes of free ileocolonic and tube-shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flaps in reconstructing total hypopharyngeal defects.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 76 patients who underwent reconstruction with either an ileocolonic flap (n = 20) or a tube-shaped ALT flap (n = 56) between 2011 and 2021. Primary outcomes included dietary tolerance at 1 and 3 years, pharyngocutaneous fistula rates, and survival. Statistical analyses assessed group differences in complications and dietary restrictions.
Results:
The ileocolonic flap group demonstrated superior dietary outcomes at 1 and 3 years (90% vs. 62.5% and 90% vs. 51.4%, respectively) but had a higher fistula rate (25% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.048). No significant differences in survival were observed between the groups.
Conclusion:
The ileocolonic flap offers better long-term dietary outcomes despite higher early fistula rates. Further research is recommended to optimize flap selection for hypopharyngeal reconstruction.
More Related Videos
07:28Donor Posterior Atrial Flap Rotation for Left Atrial Cuff Reconstruction in Lung Transplantation
Published on: October 11, 2024
07:57An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
