MODIFIED ILEOCOLIC FREE FLAP: VIABLE CHOICE FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF TOTAL LARYNGOPHARYNGECTOMY WITH TOTAL GLOSSECTOMY

Background. Reconstruction following total laryngopharyngectomy and total glossectomy is quite challenging. Many free flaps are not options for reconstruction of this particular defect because of the large area that requires reconstruction and the size discrepancies of the oral and esophageal stomas. We propose a modified ileocolic free flap for reconstruction of these defects. Methods. We conducted a retrospective chart review. Results. Two patients underwent a modified ileocolic free flap following total laryngopharyngectomy and total glossectomy. One of these patients was able to tolerate thin liquids by mouth, and 1 patient developed severe trismus limiting oral intake. There were no significant flap-related complications aside from fistula in 3 patients that healed with conservative management. Conclusions. The modified ileocolic free flap is a viable option for reconstruction following total laryngopharyngectomy and total glossectomy. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 31: 1215-1219, 2009