One-stage dermal pedicle flap reconstruction of the oropharynx (an experimental and clinical study)

A single stage dermal pedicle graft method for reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects is presented. Its successful clinical use is described. The advantages of the method include large surface-to-surface anastomosis which appears to minimize breakdown secondary to hypovascularity of an irradiated recipient bed. Other advantages include its single stage feature, persistent blood supply, avoidance of external tubed pedicles and intermediate salivary fistulas. A histologic study in pigs preceded its clinical use in humans. Findings of both aspects of the study are discussed.