Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction: a clinical comparison between free tensor fasciae latae and radial forearm flaps

Recent progress in microsurgery and free-tissue transfer has facilitated the one-stage reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal defects. As to flap selection, the forearm flap (RF) is commonly used because of its convenience, but the authors believe that the tensor fasciae latae flap (TFL) has equal capability. In the past 5 years, 18 cases of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction have been carried out: 8 cases using the TFL flap, and 10 cases using the RF flap. The flaps are compared and the advantages and disadvantages of both are presented.