J Clin Med. 2025 Mar 6;14(5):1779. doi: 10.3390/jcm14051779.
ABSTRACT
Background/Objectives: Isolated defects of the posterior hypopharyngeal/upper esophageal wall are rare, typically arising after cancer resection or complications following cervical spine osteosynthesis. Various local and free flaps are available for reconstruction, but we opted for a double-island anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in this case. Methods: A scoping review was conducted (June 2024) following PRISMAScR 2018 guidelines in order to examine the coverage options available in the literature for posterior hypopharyngeal/upper esophagus wall defects while also presenting a case where such a defect was covered with a double-island anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Human studies describing defect coverage of the posterior hypopharyngeal/upper esophagus wall were included.
SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, following PRISMAScR guidelines.
CHARTING METHODS: Data on surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications were extracted and analyzed by two independent reviewers.
CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old female developed a chronic posterior wall perforation following Zenker's diverticulum treatment and C5/6 cage osteosynthesis. Reconstruction was performed using a free fasciocutaneous ALT flap with two skin paddles: one (2 × 2 cm) for the esophageal mucosa and an additional vascularized fascia layer (4 × 8 cm) to separate the cage from the hypopharyngeal defect. To enable flap monitoring in the otherwise hidden defect, a second skin island was externalized cervically. Results: Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with a continuous viable flap signal. A Gastrografin swallow test confirmed an intact esophagus without leaks or dehiscences. Oral intake resumed after 10 days. The literature review highlighted 239 cases with multiple reconstructive techniques, each with advantages and limitations. Conclusions: The double-paddle free fasciocutaneous ALT flap is a viable option for posterior hypopharyngeal/upper esophageal wall reconstruction, allowing effective postoperative monitoring. This approach offers a valuable modification for complex cases requiring enhanced structural integrity and flap assessment.
PMID:40095923 | DOI:10.3390/jcm14051779