Optimal ileocolic flap length for a reconstructed voice tube after laryngopharyngectomy

• Published in: Journal of laryngology and otology Vol. 130; no. 2; pp. 190 - 193
• Main Authors: Tsou, Y-A, Li, T-S, Tsai, M-H, Chen, H-C, Belafsky, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.02.2016
• Subjects: Aphonia - etiology; Aphonia - pathology; Aphonia - surgery; Colon; Humans; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms - surgery; Ileum; Laryngeal Neoplasms - surgery; Laryngectomy - adverse effects; Main Articles; Ostomy; Patients; Pharyngectomy - adverse effects; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Rehabilitation; Retrospective Studies; Small intestine; Sound; Speech; Surgical Flaps; Swallowing; Treatment Outcome; Veins & arteries; Voice Quality - physiology; United States > US; Ileocolic Flap; Pharyngectomy; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasm; Voice Disorder; Laryngectomy
• ISSN: 0022-2151; 1748-5460
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215115002625

Voice restoration after laryngopharyngectomy can be achieved with an autologous ileocolic flap. We have observed that the length of the flap influences vocal outcome. This investigation aimed to evaluate the association between ileocolic flap length and vocal quality after laryngopharyngectomy. The charts of patients who underwent voice rehabilitation with an ileocolic flap after laryngopharyngectomy between 1 January 2011 and 30 December 2012 were abstracted. The length of ileum segment in the ileocolic flap was stratified, and voice outcome was evaluated three months post-operatively, while adjusting for confounding variables. There was a significant association between flap length and loudness, maximum phonation time and sound pressure level (p < 0.05). All three parameters were best in the 10 cm length group. Voice rehabilitation after laryngopharyngectomy is possible with an ileocolic flap. The optimal ileocolic flap contains a 10 cm ileum segment. Complications are frequent but amenable to revision surgery.