The @entity18564 ( @entity18564 ) free flap is widely used for various reconstructions in the head and neck. However, its use in the oropharynx has not been widely evaluated, so we have reviewed our experience. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 28 @entity1 with @entity5 , who were treated with immediate reconstruction with an @entity18564 free flap after excision. We recorded history, stage of @entity5 , course of operation, postoperative period, oncological treatment, clinical outcome, and follow-up. The mean age of the @entity1 was 61 years (range 44-83). Ten of the @entity1 had clinically relevant coexisting conditions. Most of the @entity1 had @entity5 and involved neck nodes. The operations included resection of the @entity5 , neck dissection, and reconstruction of the oropharynx with an @entity18564 free flap. All donor sites were closed primarily. Eight @entity1 (29%) developed early local complications that required reoperation. Ten @entity1 (36%) had postoperative cardiopulmonary problems. Twenty-seven flaps succeeded; one was lost. There were no other complications or late problems of the donor site except one @entity2080 . Twenty-one @entity1 were given postoperative radiotherapy. After the mean follow-up period of 40 months (range 13-68) 20 @entity1 (71%) were disease-free. Three @entity1 required a permanent gastrostomy and one a permanent tracheostomy. We conclude that the @entity18564 free flap can be used successfully for reconstruction of a lateral oropharyngeal defect with manageable postoperative morbidity.

Clinical outcome of reconstruction of the lateral oropharyngeal wall with an XXXX free flap.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity2080 :: ('MESH:D049291', 'Disease') :: ['seroma'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['T3-4 tumours', 'oropharyngeal cancer', 'tumour'] @entity18564 :: ('MESH:D056988', 'Disease') :: ['anterolateral thigh', 'ALT']
@entity18564 :: (MESH:D056988,Disease) :: ['anterolateral thigh']
