A Case of Reconstruction of Hypopharyngeal Stricture with Radial Forearm Free Flap

요전박유리피판을 이용한 하인두협착 재건

Reconstruction of the pharyngoesophagus is one of the most difficult challenges in head and neck surgery. The goals of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction include restoration of a person's ability to swallow and to speak with minimal morbidity, but no current reconstruction modality is clearly best. Following its first introduction as fasciocutaneous flap by Yang in 1981, the forearm flap based on radial artery has become recognized as a very reliable and relatively easy one to use. The forearm flap has thin, pliable and predominantly hairless skin and scant subcutaneous layer In addition, its vascular pedicle is long and of large caliber, which greatly increases the chance of successful revascularization. The forearm flap shows the potentiality for better functional rehabilitation in swallowing and speech as well as the possibility of three dimensional reconstruction. We experienced a case of radial forearm free flap for the reconstruction in a patient with the hypopharyngeal stricture. The early return of oral feeding was possible and successfully enough to return to the normal daily activity.