Reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh flap interposition for defect after tumor resection of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancer

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction for the tissue defects of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal tumor resection.

Methods: Retrospective review of two clinical cases who underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh flap after tumor ablation.

Results: No flap failure, fistula and stricture occurred in two patients. Two patients tolerated a regular diet. An esophageal voice was progressively acquired with the help of speech therapy. With followup for 16 and 41 months two patients were alive without tumor evolution.

Conclusions: The higher success rate,lower complication, quick recovery, made the anterolateral thigh flap interposition is the ideal choice for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction.