Swallowing outcomes over time after total pharyngolaryngectomy and free flap reconstruction.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2023;
82:21-26. [PMID:
37148806 DOI:
10.1016/j.bjps.2023.04.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
One of the challenges after total pharyngolaryngectomy (TPL) is to restore the swallowing function. The aim of this study was to compare swallowing outcomes between patients who underwent reconstruction with jejunum free flap (JFF) and other free flaps (OFFs).
METHODS
This retrospective study included patients who underwent TPL and free flap reconstruction. The endpoints were the evolution of swallowing outcomes during the first five years after treatment assessed by the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and outcomes associated with complications.
RESULTS
One hundred and eleven patients were included, 84 patients in the JFF group and 27 in the OFF group. The patients in the OFF group experienced more chronic pharyngostoma (p = 0.001) and pharyngoesophageal stricture (p = 0.008). During the first year, a lower FOIS score tended to be associated with OFF (p = 0.137), and this result remained stable over time.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that JFF reconstruction provides better swallowing outcomes than OFF reconstruction, stable over time.
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