Lateral tarsal artery flap: an option for hypopharyngeal reconstruction in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinomas after surgery

Background: Hypopharyngeal reconstruction following resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma has utilized local, regional and free tissue transfer flap options. No single surgical technique is currently in use for hypopharyngeal reconstruction that is applicable to all patients. In this article, we introduce the application of the lateral tarsal artery flap (LTA flap) as a reconstructive option following hypopharyngeal oncologic ablation. Methods: From June 2010 to January 2012, four patients of hypopharyngeal carcinomas underwent total laryngectomy and partial pharyngectomy followed by single-stage reconstruction with LTA flaps. After operation, patients were treated with radical radiotherapy within four weeks. All the patients were followed up. Results: All flaps survived, with an average size of 7.5 cm x 5.8 cm (range of 8.0-7.0 cm x 6.0-5.0 cm). There were no complications or contractures during the follow-up. Normal diets were adopted two weeks after operation. The follow-up ranged from 12-20 months (mean: 15 months). There were no distal stenosis or pharyngocutaneous fistula nor were there any donor-site complications. Conclusion: The LTA flap could be a viable option for hypopharyngeal reconstruction following head and neck oncologic resection. It seems that LTA flap would be a promising flap deserving extensively research.