Abstract: Objective To evaluate the application and outcomes of pedicle tissue flaps in reconstruction of pharyngeal and esophageal defects in head and neck surgery. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 186 operative cases in patients with malignant diseases in the Department of Otolaryngology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. The patients underwent reconstruction of defects using pectoralis myocutaneous flaps, sternohyoid flaps, tongue flaps, laryngotracheal flaps, pharyngogastric anastomoses, and pharyngocolonic anastomoses. Results Four patients had laryngeal cancer, 87 had hypopharyngeal cancer, 5 had thyroid cancer, 2 had tonsil cancer, 38 had cervical esophageal cancer, and 15 had pharyngocutaneous fistulas. Reconstruction was performed with single or combined pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps in 71 cases; 2 underwent reconstruction with a tongue flap combined with laryngotracheal and pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps, with recovery of swallowing function; 38 of 40 underwent reconstruction with laryngotracheal flaps, with recovery of swallowing function; 55 of 58 underwent reconstruction with single or combined pharyngogastric anastomoses, with recovery of swallowing function, and with preservation of laryngeal function in 53.4%; and 13 of 15 underwent reconstruction with single or combined pharyngocolonic anastomoses, with recovery of swallowing function, and with preservation of laryngeal function in 93.3%. Conclusion Pedicle tissue flaps meet the requirements for reconstruction of pharyngeal and esophageal defects in head and neck surgery. These flaps have a good blood supply, mature technology, and are easy to perform, requiring less operative skill. Moreover, these flaps play an important role in one-stage reconstruction in head and neck surgery when used flexibly.

Key words: Head and neck tumor, Reconstruction, Surgical flap