Combined use of free jejunum and pectoralis major muscle flap with skin graft for reconstruction after salvage total pharyngolaryngectomy

Salvage total pharyngolaryngectomy after failed organ-preserving therapy often results in composite defects involving the alimentary tract, trachea, and neck skin. This retrospective study examined combined use of the free jejunum flap and the pectoralis major muscle flap with skin graft for such a complex reconstruction. We reviewed 11 patients who underwent free jejunum transfer for alimentary reconstruction and pedicled pectoralis major muscle flap transfer with a skin graft on the muscle for simultaneous neck skin resurfacing after salvage total pharyngolaryngectomy from 2005 through 2010. The operative morbidity rate was 27.3%. No pharyngocutaneous fistula developed in this series. Oral intake could be resumed within 3 weeks after surgery in all patients. Seven of 11 patients had a functional tracheostoma with adequate stomal patency. Combined use of free jejunum and pectoralis major muscle flap with skin graft provided secure wound closure even for complicated cases.