Abstract
• Scapular and parascapular free tissue transfer (SFTT) is a well
described reconstructive option for the head and neck. Majority of
reported outcomes are of reconstruction of oromandibular and midface
defects. The aim was to describe one institution’s experience with SFTT
for reconstruction of PE defects. • This study was a retrospective
review of patients undergoing SFTT for head and neck defects between
2009 and 2014 at a tertiary center. The cohort included patients
undergoing reconstruction of PE defects with at least 6 months follow
up. Seventeen patients (13 male and 4 female) met inclusion criteria.
Surgical outcomes, speech, voice outcomes, swallowing outcomes, enteral
feeding and tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) usage were evaluated. • Two
of 17 patients developed pharyngocutaneous fistulas (PCF) as inpatients.
There was one major medical complication (pulmonary embolism) and 7
minor complications. Mean hospital length of stay was 15.7 days (SD
8.2). In post-operative setting, only one patient remained
PEG-dependent, 11 patients supplemented oral intake with PEG feeds and 5
patients took nutrition solely by mouth. Four patients utilized written
communication exclusively, 6 patients pursued TEP placement and 7
utilized electrolarynx. • The SFTT is a viable option for hypopharyngeal
reconstruction. All scapula free tissue transfers remained viable for
the duration of our review. Post-operative PCF rate were comparable to
that reported after laryngectomy.