Perforator-based chimeric ulnar forearm microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction of post-radiated tracheoesophageal puncture fistulae

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) performed during total laryngectomy in the primary treatment of laryngeal cancer is the standard method for voice restoration. Following adjuvant radiotherapy, the TEP site can experience complications resulting in a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) with chronic leakage making oral alimentation unsafe due to aspiration. Here, we describe a technique using chimeric ulnar artery perforator forearm free flaps (UAPFF) in the reconstruction of these complex deformities. Four patients underwent chimeric UAPFF reconstruction of TEP site TEFs following primary TL with TEP and adjuvant radiotherapy. No flap failures or surgical complications occurred. Average time from end of radiotherapy to persistent TEF was 66 months (range 4–190 months). All patients had resolution in their TEF with average time to total oral diet achievement of 22 days (14–42 days). Chimeric UAPFF reconstruction is a safe and effective method to reconstruct recalcitrant TEP site TEFs.